Modelling With Quadratics

Amanda Austin
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@DrFrostMaths

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Teacher Notes
Prerequisite Representations
Knowledge Used Future Links
• Solving quadratic • Coordinate Axes • Using graphs to find
equations by approximate solutions
factorisation to equations
• Solving quadratic • Recognising the shape
equations using the of basic forms of
formula cubic, reciprocal and
• Completing the square exponential graphs
for a quadratic based on their
expression equations
• Finding the maximum or
minimum point of a
quadratic by completing
the square
• Sketch a quadratic
graph from its equation
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Skills in this Lesson
416 Minimum or maximum point of a quadratic by completing the
square
416h Use information from a scenario, modelled as a quadratic curve to find
the horizontal or vertical distance to the turning point
416i Use information from a scenario, modelled as a quadratic curve with a
given turning point, to determine the equation of a curve
416j Use information from a scenario, modelled as a quadratic curve with a
given turning point, to determine the width of the curve for a particular
height
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Contents
For lessons covering many concepts, please click the below to navigate
quickly to the relevant part of the lesson.

Prerequisite Knowledge Check

Recap: Sketching a Quadratic Graph

Recap: Finding an Equation from a Quadratic Graph

Recap: Finding an Equation from a Turning Point

The Big Idea: Modelling with Quadratics when the Equation is
Given
The Big Idea: Modelling with Quadratics to Find an Equation

Exercise: Modelling with Quadratics

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 Show

Prerequisite Knowledge Check

all
solutio
ns

1 Solve by 4 Sketch the graph of

factorisation:
a 𝑥 2 −5 𝑥= 0 𝒙=𝟎 , 𝒙=𝟓
? showing the coordinates
b 𝑑2 −13 𝑑+ 42= 0 𝒅=𝟔 , 𝒅=𝟕
? where the graph
intersects with the axes.
c 3 𝑦 2 − 10 𝑦 −8=0 𝒚 =− 𝟐 , 𝒚 =𝟒
𝟑? 𝑦
2 Solve using the quadratic
formula:
2 𝑥 +5 𝑥 − 1=0 𝒙=𝟎 . 𝟏𝟖𝟔, ? −𝟐 . 𝟔𝟗
2
a

b 3 𝑦 2 − 9 𝑦 + 4=0 𝒚 =𝟐 .𝟒𝟔?,𝟎 . 𝟓𝟒𝟑 (− 4 , 0) ? (2 , 0) 𝑥

3 Complete the square:
𝟐
a 𝑥 2+ 2 𝑥 − 5 ( 𝒙 +𝟏) ?
−𝟔
2 𝟐
b 𝑎 − 6 𝑎− 2 ? 𝟏𝟏
( 𝒂 −𝟑) −

( )
2 𝟐
c 𝑏 + 9 𝑏+ 4 𝟗 𝟔𝟓
𝒃+ ?−
𝟐 𝟒
Recap: Sketching a Quadratic Graph
Sketch the graph of , stating clearly the coordinates of any points
that cross the axes and the coordinates of the turning point.

1 The shape of the 2 Where the graph 3 Where the graph

graph - or crosses the -axis crosses the -axis

For a positive term, To find where the graph To find where the graph
we get a -shaped crosses the -axis, we set crosses the -axis, we set
parabola and solve for and solve for

𝑦 2
𝑦 = 𝑥 − 4 𝑥 − 12𝑥 − 4 𝑥 − 12=0
2

When Solve by factorisation:

2
𝑦 =0 − 4 × 0 − 12( 𝑥 − 6 ) ( 𝑥 +2 ) =0
𝑦 =−12 or

𝑥 The coordinates are The coordinates are

and
Recap: Sketching a Quadratic Graph
Sketch the graph of , stating clearly the coordinates of any points
that cross the axes and the coordinates of the turning point.

Finally, sketch the graph, labelling the coordinates

4 The turning point
of intersection with the axes and the turning point
of the graph
clearly.
𝑦
To find the turning
point, we need to
complete the square:

2
𝑦 =𝑥 − 4 𝑥 − 12 𝑥
2 (− 2 ,0) (6 , 0)
𝑦 =( 𝑥 −2) − 4 −12
𝟐
𝒚 =( 𝒙 −𝟐) −𝟏𝟔 (0 ,− 12)
The coordinates of (2,−16)
the turning point are
Test Your Understanding
Sketch the graph of , stating clearly the coordinates of any points
that cross the axes and the coordinates of the turning point.

1 The shape of the 2 Where the graph

𝑦
graph - or crosses the -axis
? Shape ? Crosses
When -axis
so
(0 ,5)
(−1 , 0)
(−5 , 0) ? Sketch
𝑥
3 Where the graph 𝑦
4 The turning point
crosses the -axis of the graph

When
? Crosses x-axis ? Turning Point (−3,−4)

or so the turning
so and point is
Recap: Sketching a Quadratic Graph
Sketch the graph of , stating clearly the coordinates of any points
that cross the axes and the coordinates of the turning point.

1 The shape of the 2 Where the graph 3 Where the graph

graph - or crosses the -axis crosses the -axis

For a negative term, To find where the graph To find where the graph
we get a -shaped crosses the -axis, we set crosses the -axis, we set
parabola and solve for and solve for

𝑦 𝑦 =8 − 2 𝑥 − 𝑥 8 − 2 𝑥 − 𝑥 =0
2 2

When Solve by factorisation:

2
𝑦 =8 − 2× 0 − 0( 4+ 𝑥 ) ( 2− 𝑥 )= 0
𝑦 =8 or

𝑥 The coordinates are The coordinates are

and
Recap: Sketching a Quadratic Graph
Sketch the graph of , stating clearly the coordinates of any points
that cross the axes and the coordinates of the turning point.

Finally, sketch the graph, labelling the coordinates

4 The turning point
of intersection with the axes and the turning point
of the graph
clearly.

To find the turning (−1 , 9)

𝑦
point, we need to
complete the square:
(0 , 8)
2
𝑦 =8 − 2 𝑥 − 𝑥
2
𝑦 =−1 [𝑥 +2 𝑥 −8 ] (− 4 , 0) (2 , 0)
𝑥
2
𝑦 =−1 [ ( 𝑥 +1 ) − 1− 8]
𝟐
𝒚 =𝟗 −( 𝒙 +𝟏)
The coordinates of
the turning point are
Test Your Understanding
Sketch the graph of , stating clearly the coordinates of any points
that cross the axes and the coordinates of the turning point.

1 The shape of the 2 Where the graph 𝑦

graph - or crosses the -axis (5 , 36)
? Shape ? Crosses
When y-axis
so (0 ,11)

(−1 , 0) ? Sketch
(11, 0)
3 Where the graph 𝑦
4 The turning point 𝑥
crosses the -axis of the graph

When
? Crosses x-axis ? Turning Point
or
so and so the turning point
is
Recap: Finding an Equation from a
Quadratic Graph
Find the equation of the quadratic from its sketch shown.
Give your answer in the form
𝑦
To find the value of , we use the
coordinate where the graph
crosses the y-axis:

(0 ,20) 2
𝑦 =𝑎 ( 𝑥 − 7 𝑥 +10)
When
(2 , 0) (5 , 0)
𝑥
20=𝑎 × 10
𝑎= 2
Start by considering where the
graph crosses the -axis: Finally, we can find the
equation:
and 2
𝑦 =2( 𝑥 −7 𝑥+10)
𝟐
So, the factorised equation must
be:
𝒚 =𝟐 𝒙 −𝟏𝟒 𝒙 +𝟐𝟎
𝑦 =𝑎(𝑥 − 2)(𝑥 −5)
Test Your Understanding
Find the equation of the quadratic from its sketch shown.
Give your answer in the form
𝑦 To find the value of , we use the
coordinate where the graph
crosses the y-axis:
(0 , 4)
2
𝑦 =𝑎? Value
( 𝑥 −of3 𝑥 − 4)
𝑥 When
(−1 , 0) ( 4 , 0)
4 =𝑎 × − 4
𝑎=− 1
Start by considering where the
graph crosses the -axis: Finally, we can find the
equation:
2
and ? Solution
𝑦 =−1 (𝑥 −3 𝑥 − 4)
? General Equation
𝟐
So, the factorised equation must
be:
𝒚 =𝟒+𝟑 𝒙 − 𝒙
𝑦 =𝑎(𝑥 +1)(𝑥 − 4)
Recap: Finding an Equation from a Turning
Point
Find the equation of the quadratic from its sketch shown.
Give your answer in the form
𝑦 We use the turning point to find
the quadratic equation:
2
(0 ,10)
𝑦 =𝑎 ( 𝑥 − 3) +1
To find the value of , we use the
coordinate of the -intercept:
(3 ,1)
𝑥 When
2
10=𝑎 (0 − 3) +1
Recall that in general: 10=9 𝑎 +1
When a quadratic curve has a 𝑎=1
turning point its equation is
So, the equation is:
𝟐
𝒚 =( 𝒙 −𝟑) + 𝟏
Test Your Understanding
Find the equation of the quadratic from its sketch shown.
Give your answer in the form
𝑦
(− 2 ,12) To find the value of , use the
coordinate of the y-intercept:
(0 , 8)
When
𝑥 ? Value of 2
8= 𝑎( 0+2) +12
8=4 𝑎 +12
𝑎=− 1
Use the turning point to find the
quadratic equation in completed So, the equation of the
square form: quadratic is:
? General Equation
2 ? Solution 2
𝑦 =𝑎 ( 𝑥 +2) + 12 𝑦 =−( 𝑥+ 2) + 12
𝟐
𝒚 =𝟏𝟐 −( 𝒙 +𝟐)
The Big Idea: Modelling with Quadratics

We can use quadratic curves and equations to

model real-life situations…

The motion of a The shape of a

ball travelling The entrance to a
suspension
through the air tunnel
bridge

Can you think of any

other examples?
The Big Idea: Modelling with Quadratics
The diagram shows the motion of a shot put that has been
thrown.
The path of the shot put can be modelled as a quadratic function
with the equation where is the height of the shot put in metres
and is the distance along the horizontal ground in metres.
h a Find the height of the shot put when
the horizontal distance travelled is
m
Substitute the horizontal
distance into the equation for

2
𝑥 h=2+ 3 𝑥 − 𝑥
2
h=2+ 3× 1.3 − 1.3
m
Note: When we are modelling real-
life situations, we must include
units.
The Big Idea: Modelling with Quadratics
The diagram shows the motion of a shot put that has been
thrown.
The path of the shot put can be modelled as a quadratic function
with the equation where is the height of the shot put in metres
and is the distance along the horizontal ground in metres.
h b Find the distance along the
horizontal when the shot put hits
the ground.
Use the quadratic formula to solve the
equation:
3 ± √ (− 3) − 4 × 1× −2
2
𝑥=
𝑥 2 ×1
AtWhat
the ground,
will the .height
Substitute
of thethe m or m
shotheight
put beinto theitequation:
when has hit the
ground? 2 must be a positive length,
0=2+ 3 𝑥 − 𝑥 so:
2
𝑥 −3 𝑥 − 2=0 m
The Big Idea: Modelling with Quadratics
The diagram shows the motion of a shot put that has been
thrown.
The path of the shot put can be modelled as a quadratic function
with the equation where is the height of the shot put in metres
and is the distance along the horizontal ground in metres.
h c Find the maximum height of the shot
put.
The maximum height occurs at the turning
Where
point, would
so we needthe
to maximum height
complete the square:
occur?
2
h=2+ 3 𝑥 − 𝑥
h=− [ 𝑥 − 3 𝑥 ] + 2
2
𝑥
[( ) ]
2
3 9
The maximum height h=− 𝑥 − − +2
occurs when m: 2 4

( )
2
17 3
m h= − 𝑥−
4 2
 Show

Test Your Understanding drfrost.org/ 416h

s/
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A seagull sets off from a cliff a Find the height of the seagull when
and flies towards the sea. the distance from the foot of the cliff
The motion can be described is m 2
by a quadratic curve with h=22+ 6? ×7.6 −7.6
equation m ?
where is the height of the
seagull above the sea and is b Find the distance from the foot of the
the horizontal distance from
cliff when the seagull hits the sea.
the foot of the cliff.
2
0=22+?6 𝑥 − 𝑥
h m ?

c Find the maximum height of the

seagull. 2
? ( 𝑥 − 3)
h=31 −
Cliff

m ?
𝑥
Sea
The Big Idea: Modelling with Quadratics
The diagram shows a valley with a river running through it. The valley
can be modelled as a quadratic curve with equation where is the height
above the bottom of the valley and is the distance from the left bank of
the valley, both in metres.

𝐻 a Find the horizontal distance from the left

bank to the bottom of the valley.

The bottom of the valley occurs

at the turning point:
2
𝐻 =3 𝑑 −24 𝑑+ 48
𝑑 𝐻 =3 [ 𝑑 −8 𝑑 ] + 48
2

m
𝐻 =3 [ (𝑑 − 4 )2 − 16 ] + 48
The minimum height 2
occurs when : 𝐻 =3( 𝑑 − 4 )
m
The Big Idea: Modelling with Quadratics
The diagram shows a valley with a river running through it. The valley
can be modelled as a quadratic curve with equation where is the height
above the bottom of the valley and is the distance from the left bank of
the valley, both in metres.

𝐻 b The surface of the river is at a height

of m from the bottom of the valley.
Find the width of the river at its
surface.
Substitute into the equation:
2
6.75=3 𝑑 −24 𝑑 + 48
2
0=3 𝑑 − 24 𝑑 + 41.25
𝑑 Use the quadratic formula to solve the
m
equation: 2
m 24 ± √ (− 24) − 4 × 3 × 41.25
This shows us that for a 𝑑=
2× 3
height
How ofdomwefrom the bottom
determine
of the the
valley, theofhorizontal m or m
width the
distance from the left bank is m
surface of the river?
either m or m The width of the river is
 Show

Test Your Understanding drfrost.org/

s/
416h 416j
all
solutio
ns

The shape of a suspension bridge can be modelled by a quadratic curve

with equation , where is the height of the bridge and is the horizontal
distance from the left tower, in metres.

a Find the horizontal distance

h when the height of the bridge is
at its minimum.
2
h=0.02 (𝑥? −50) +30
m?

𝑥 b Find the distance between the

two points where the height of
the bridge is m.
2
0.02 𝑥 −2? 𝑥+ 18=0
m or m ?
m?
Exam Question
[SQA National 5 2014 P1 Q13 Edited]
The diagram below shows the path of a small rocket which is
fired into the air. The height, ℎ metres, of the rocket after
seconds is given by
a After how many seconds will the
rocket first be at a height of m?
2
𝑡 − 16 𝑡 +60=0
? Solution
seconds
b What is the maximum height the
rocket will reach?

h=− [ 𝑡 − 16 𝑡 ]
2

? Completed Square Maximum height is

h=− [ ( 𝑡 − 8 ) − 64 ] m when
2 ? Solution
seconds
Form 2
h=64 − ( 𝑡 − 8 )
The Big Idea: Modelling with Quadratics
The diagram shows the path of a cricket ball. When the cricket
ball leaves the bowler’s hand, it is a height of m from the
ground. The cricket ball reaches a maximum height of m when it
is a horizontal distance of m from the bowler. The motion of the
ball can be modelled using a quadratic curve with an equation of
the form .
𝑦 Find values for , and .
To find the value of , we use the -intercept:
(4 , 2.2)
When
(0 ,1.8) 1.8=𝑎(0 − 4 ) + 2.2
2

− 0.4=16 𝑎
𝑥 𝑎=− 0.025
So, the equation is:
Given the turning point, the
quadratic equation must be of the 2
form: 𝑦 =− 0.025( 𝑥 − 4 ) + 2.2
2
𝑦 =𝑎 ( 𝑥 − 4 ) + 2.2 𝟐
𝒚 =−𝟎 . 𝟎𝟐𝟓 𝒙 +𝟎 .𝟐 𝒙 +𝟏 .𝟖
 Test Your Understanding drfrost.org/ 416i
s/

The entrance to a tunnel shown in the diagram can be modelled

using a quadratic curve of the form . The tunnel reaches a
maximum height of m a horizontal distance of m from the left
side of the tunnel. Find the values of , and .

𝑦 To find the value of , we use the

(2.4 ,8.64) coordinate of the -intercept:

When
? Value of 2
0= 𝑎( 0 −2.4) + 8.64
− 8.64=5.76 𝑎
(0 , 0) 𝑥 𝑎=− 1.5
Given the turning point, the quadratic So, the equation is:
equation must be of the form: 2
? General Equation
2 𝑦 =−1.5 ( 𝑥 −2.4 ) +8.64
? Solution
𝑦 =𝑎 ( 𝑥 − 2.4) +8.64 𝟐
𝒚 =−𝟏 . 𝟓 𝒙 +𝟕 .𝟐 𝒙
Spot the Mistake
A washing line is suspended from two posts of height m that are
m apart as shown in the diagram. The lowest point of the
washing line is m above the ground. Given that the washing line
can be modelled as a quadratic curve, find its equation.
𝑦 Viktor
The general equation is:
𝑦 =𝑎 ( 𝑥 − 5)2+ 1.7
When ,
2
1.9=𝑎 (0 − 5) +1.7
m

0.2 =25 𝑎
m
𝑥 𝑎= 0.008
The turning
The equation is: point
Can you find any 𝟐
𝒚 =𝟎 . 𝟎𝟎𝟖( 𝒙 −𝟓) + 𝟏 .𝟕 occurs at
mistakes Viktor has
made and provide him The coordinates of the turning point
with a correct should be using the? symmetry of the
solution? curve. This gives an equation of
 Show
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Exercise worksheet)
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1 The curve of the suspension bridge 2 A hobbit’s door can be modelled as a

shown in the diagram can be parabolic curve with equation
modelled by a quadratic function
with equation , where is the height
in metres and is the horizontal
𝑦
distance from the left tower.

𝑥
a The door knob is a horizontal
a Find the height of the bridge when distance of m from the left of the
the horizontal distance from the door. Find the height of the door
knob. m?
left tower is m.
m ? b Find the width of the door along
the ground.
b Find the distance from the left m?
tower when the height is m. c Find the height of the door.
m and ?m m?
 Show
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Exercise worksheet)
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3 [NZQA L1 Maths and Stats 91028 Sep 2017 Q2b]

points, 𝐴 and 𝐵, on a horizontal beam. 𝐴 and 𝐵 are 6 metres apart.

In a children’s playground there is a rope hanging from two

The lowest point of the rope is 1 m above the ground.

where 𝑦 is the height above the ground, and 𝑥 is the distance from 𝐴.
The shape of the rope can be modelled by

a Find the height of above the ground. ?

metres

b Holes are drilled through a m long horizontal board. The rope passes
through the holes to make the seat of a swing. The height of the seat
is metres above the ground.
How far apart would the holes in the board need to be if the shape of
the rope above the seat stays the same? Give your answer to d.p.

?
metres
 Show
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4 A gardener is digging a hole to 5 A tennis ball is hit by a player’s

plant a tree. The hole can be racquet that is m above the ground.
modelled as a quadratic curve as The path of the ball can be modelled
shown in the diagram. The deepest as a quadratic curve, as shown in the
point of the hole is cm and the
width of the hole is cm. Find the
h
diagram.

equation of the hole, giving your

equation in the form
.
𝑦 𝟑 𝟐
𝒚= 𝒙 −𝟑 𝒙
𝟖𝟎 ?
𝑥
a The ball reaches a maximum height
𝑥 of
m when it has travelled a horizontal
distance of m. Find the equation of
the curve in the form . 𝟐
(40,−60) 𝒚 =𝟏.𝟏+𝟎.𝟔
? 𝒙 − 𝟎.𝟏 𝒙
b The net is m high and is m from the
player. Will the tennis ball go over
the tennis net?
Yes, as m ?
 Show
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Exercise worksheet)
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N [Edexcel A2 Specimen Papers Pure 1 Q6]

Figure 2 shows the entrance to a road tunnel. The maximum height of the
tunnel is measured as metres and the width of the base of the tunnel is
measured as metres.
Figure 3 shows a quadratic curve used to model this entrance.
The points and are assumed to lie in the same vertical plane and the ground
is assumed to be horizontal.

𝟓
a Find an equation for curve BCA. 𝒚= (𝟗 − 𝒙 𝟐 )
?
𝟗
b A coach has height m and widthm. Determine whether or not it is
possible for the coach to enter the tunnel.

When m, m, so it?is possible.