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2 Quadratic Functions

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2 Quadratic Functions

Uploaded by

yohoneysingh
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Summary sheet: Quadratic functions

B3 Work with quadratic functions and their graphs; the discriminant of a quadratic function, including
the conditions for real and repeated roots; completing the square; solution of quadratic equations
including solving quadratic equations in a function of the unknown

The general shape of quadratic graphs

𝑦 = 𝑥2 𝑦 = −𝑥 2

Solving quadratic equations


The two most common ways to solve a quadratic equation are factorising and using the formula. They
will both give you the same answer so just use the most appropriate method.

Remember that to solve a quadratic equation you should collect all the terms on one side so that the
other side of the equation is 0. When you solve the equation, it you have found the roots (i.e. where
the graph of the quadratic function crosses the 𝒙-axis).

Solving by factorising
This means factorising the quadratic into 2 brackets.

e.g. Solve 𝒙𝟐 + 𝟔𝒙 + 𝟖 = 𝟎 using factorisation.

𝑥 2 + 6𝑥 + 8 = 0 Remember you need 2 numbers that multiply to give 8 and add to give 6.
(𝑥 + 4)(𝑥 + 2) = 0

Therefore: 𝒙 = −𝟒 or 𝒙 = −𝟐

Solving by using the formula


The quadratic formula:
−𝑏±√𝑏2 −4𝑎𝑐
When 𝑦 = 𝑎𝑥 2 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐 𝑥= 2𝑎

e.g. Solve 𝒙𝟐 + 𝟔𝒙 + 𝟕 = 𝟎 using the formula.


The Discriminant:
First of all, make a note that: 𝑎 = 1
The expression inside the square root sign is called the
𝑏=6 discriminant and tells you what type of roots to expect.
𝑐=7
then substitute into the formula If 𝒃𝟐 − 𝟒𝒂𝒄 > 𝟎 there are 2 real roots
(put each number in a bracket so that (i.e. the curve crosses the 𝑥-axis in 2 places)
you are careful to get the correct sign):

−(6)±√(6)2 −4(1)(7) If 𝒃𝟐 − 𝟒𝒂𝒄 = 𝟎 there is 1 real root


𝑥= (i.e. the curve touches the 𝑥-axis in 1 place)
2(1)

−6±√8
𝑥= = −3 ± √2 If 𝒃𝟐 − 𝟒𝒂𝒄 < 𝟎 there are no real roots
2
(i.e. the curve does not cross the 𝑥-axis)

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Summary sheet: Quadratic functions

Completing the square to find the turning point


Remember that the completed square version of a quadratic equation looks like this:

𝒂(𝒙 + 𝒃)𝟐 + 𝒄 = 𝟎

The turning point (maximum or minimum) will be at (−𝒃, 𝒄)

e.g. Find the turning point of the equation (𝒙 + 𝟓)𝟐 − 𝟕 = 𝟎

The turning point (minimum) will be at (−5, −7)

e.g. Find the turning point of the equation 𝟓 − 𝟑(𝒙 − 𝟒)𝟐 = 𝟎

The turning point (maximum) will be at (4, 5)


Notice that the turning point is a maximum because the 𝑥 2 term is negative.

Don’t forget:
If you need to solve the quadratic to find the roots and it is already in the completed square form, you
don’t need to factorise or use the formula you can just rearrange to find 𝑥.

Solving equations in a function of the unknown


Sometimes you may need to solve an equation which is a ‘disguised quadratic’. This is an equation whch
involves one term in which the power of 𝑥 is twice the power of 𝑥 in another term.

e.g. Solve the equation 𝒙𝟒 + 𝟑𝒙𝟐 + 𝟐 = 𝟎

The equation could be rewritten as (𝒙𝟐 )𝟐 + 𝟑𝒙𝟐 + 𝟐 = 𝟎


So you can let 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 and you have: 𝑦 2 + 3𝑦 + 2 = 0
Now you can solve by factorising.

e.g. Solve the equation 𝒙𝟔 + 𝟓𝒙𝟑 + 𝟔 = 𝟎

The equation could be rewritten as (𝒙𝟑 )𝟐 + 𝟓𝒙𝟑 + 𝟐 = 𝟎


So you can let 𝑦 = 𝑥 3 and you have: 𝑦 2 + 5𝑦 + 6 = 0
Now you can solve by factorising.

2 of 2 07/07/16 © MEI

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