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Chapter 2 Polynomial and Rational Functions

Section 2.1 Quadratic Functions and Models

Objective: In this lesson you learned how to sketch and analyze graphs
of functions.

Important Vocabulary Define each term or concept.

Axis of symmetry A line about which a parabola is symmetric.

Vertex The point where the axis intersects the parabola.

I. The Graph of a Quadratic Function (Pages 128−130) What you should learn
How to analyze graphs of
Let n be a nonnegative integer and let an, an – 1, . . . , a2, a1, a0 be quadratic functions
real numbers with an ≠ 0. A polynomial function of x with
degree n is . . .
the function f(x) = anxn + an – 1xn – 1 + . . . + a2x2 + a1x + a0.

Let a, b, and c be real numbers with a ≠ 0. A quadratic function

is . . . the function given by f(x) = ax2 + bx + c.
A quadratic function is a polynomial function of second
degree. The graph of a quadratic function is a special “U”-shaped
curve called a parabola .

If the leading coefficient of a quadratic function is positive, the

graph of the function opens upward and the vertex of
the parabola is the minimum y-value on the graph. If the
leading coefficient of a quadratic function is negative, the graph
of the function opens downward and the vertex of the
parabola is the maximum y-value on the graph. The
absolute value of the leading coefficient a determines how
widely the parabola opens . If | a | is small,
the parabola opens more widely than if | a | is large.

Larson/Hostetler Precalculus/Precalculus with Limits Notetaking Guide IAE

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36 Chapter 2 • Polynomial and Rational Functions

II. The Standard Form of a Quadratic Function

(Pages 131−132) What you should learn
How to write quadratic
The standard form of a quadratic function is functions in standard
form and use the results
f(x) = a(x – h)2 + k, a ≠ 0 . to sketch graphs of
functions
For a quadratic function in standard form, the axis of the
associated parabola is x=h and the vertex is
(h, k) .

To write a quadratic function in standard form , . . . use the

process of completing the square on the variable x.

To find the x-intercepts of the graph of f ( x) = ax 2 + bx + c , . . . y

solve the equation ax2 + bx + c = 0.

Example 1: Sketch the graph of f ( x) = x 2 + 2 x − 8 and x

identify the vertex, axis, and x-intercepts of the
parabola.
(− 1, − 9); x = − 1; (− 4, 0) and (2, 0)

III. Applications of Quadratic Functions (Page 133) What you should learn
How to use quadratic
For a quadratic function in the form f ( x) = ax 2 + bx + c , the functions to model and
solve real-life problems
x-coordinate of the vertex is given as − b/(2a) and the
y-coordinate of the vertex is given as f(− b/(2a)) .

Example 2: Find the vertex of the parabola defined by

f ( x) = 3 x 2 − 11x + 16 .
(11/6, 71/12)

Homework Assignment

Page(s)

Exercises

Larson/Hostetler Precalculus/Precalculus with Limits Notetaking Guide IAE

Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.