Session 14:

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 Function 14
Quadratic
En el mundo de las comunicaciones y de la
energy, the parabola is present in
various forms. It is not strange nowadays
to meet with satellite dishes, kitchens
solar heaters or electric stoves of section
parabolic. On the other hand, the functions
quadratics, whose graphical representation is
a parabola, allow modeling problems
in countless situations of our life
daily.

Undoubtedly, the study of the quadratic function

allows students to continue the
discovery of mathematics as a
representation of reality and a
modeling tool.

Yesa0
This guide studies the quadratic function and its graphical representation. It is of interest
fundamentally that the students visualize and compare the type of growth that
they model quadratic functions, this will simplify the graph of the function and will allow for the
understanding of the phenomenon being studied. Likewise, students will be able to establish
with clarity the relationships between the algebraic expression and the graph of the function.

Quadratic functions are used in some disciplines such as, for example, Physics and
Economy. They are useful. to describe movements with constant acceleration, trajectories of
projectiles, profits and costs of companies, and thus obtain information without the need for
resort to experimentation.

In this guide, you will learn to:

Identify the quadratic functions.

Determinar el dominio y el rango de una función cuadrática.
Study the properties of quadratic functions
Graph the different forms of a quadratic function.

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 THE QUADRATIC FUNCTION

I. THE QUADRATIC FUNCTION

A quadratic function or second-degree function is a function

polynomial defined as:

ax2 it is the quadratic term

y = f(x) = ax2+ bx + c
bx it is the linear term
c it is the dependent term
Where:

a, b and c IR "x" is the independent variable.

a 0 y = f(x) is the dependent variable

Examples of some quadratic functions:

a) f(x) = x2+ 5x - 2

b) y = -x2

x2
c) f(x) = 3 -0.5x - 1

d) h(t) = -8t2+ 60t

e) f(x) = 2(x - 3)2+ 3

f) y = 1 - 2t2

II. EVALUATION OF QUADRATIC FUNCTIONS

Evaluate a quadratic function f(x) = ax2+ bx + c, (a ≠ 0), means replacing the

value of x, for some value that belongs to the domain of the function.

Example: Evaluate f(x) = x2+ 5x - 2 at the given values:

Dexa value
Evaluated function
evaluate
x = -2 f (-2) = (-2)2+ 5 (-2) - 2 =-8
x = -1 f (-1) = (-1)2+ 5 (-1) - 2 = -6
x=0 f (0) = (0)2+ 5 (0) - 2 = -2
x=1 f (1) = (1)2+ 5 (1) - 2 = 4
x=2 f (2) = (2)2+ 5 (2) - 2 =12

x=a f (a) = (a)2+ 5 (a) - 2 = a2+ 5a - 2

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III. GRAPHICAL REPRESENTATION OF A QUADRATIC FUNCTION

If we could represent in a graph "all" the points (x, f(x)) of

a quadratic function, we would always obtain a curve called a parabola.
As a counterpart, we will say that a parable is the graphic representation of
a quadratic function.

This parabola will have some well-defined characteristics or elements.

depending on the values of the equation that generate it.

These characteristics or elements are:

-Orientation or concavity (branches or

arms)

-Cut-off points with the axis of

abscissas (roots)

Cutting point with the axis of

ordered

Axis of symmetry

Vertex.

The domain of the function is IR and

its graph is a curve called
parable.

IV. IMPORTANT ASPECTS:

1. CONCAVITY

. If a > 0 concave upwards.

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 . If a < 0 concave downwards.

2. AXIS OF SYMMETRY OF THE PARABOLA

In the quadratic functions we are studying: f(x) = ax² + bx + c, (a ≠ 0);
The axis of symmetry is a vertical line, parallel to the y-axis, that crosses the graph.
so that each branch of it, separated by the axis, is the "reflection" of the other,
assuming the idea that this simulates a mirror.

The axis of symmetry intersects the parabola at the vertex and the X-axis at the value x that
it is the x-coordinate of the vertex. The formula for the mentioned x value, known as
Equation of the Axis of Symmetry is:

.
Example: Observe how to determine the axis of symmetry: f(x) = x2-2x - 3

As a = 1, b = -2, c = -3
we calculate the coordinates
from the vertex point, making
use of the valuation of the
algebraic expression:

Axis of symmetry: x=1

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3. VERTEX OF THE PARABOLA
It can be a maximum point (when
is concave downward) or point
minimum (when it is concave towards
above) .

V=

( ( ))
−b −b
; f
2a 2a
Example:
Carefully observe the calculation of the vertex of the parabola. f(x) = x2-2x - 3

As a = 1, b = -2, c = -3
we determine the coordinates
from the vertex point, making
use of the expression:

and from the algebraic evaluation:

Therefore x = 1

Therefore, y = -4

Vertex V(1, -4)

Example:

Determine the vertex of the function f(x) = -4x2+16x - 9

First, 'a', 'b', and 'c' must be recognized:

a = -4 b = 16 c = -9

To determine the vertex of the quadratic function, follow these steps:

−(16)
Calculate the abscissa x = 2(−4) =2

Calculate the ordinate y = f(2) = − 4 (2)2 + 16(2) - 9 = 7

Present the vertex V (2; 7)

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 4. INTERSECTION WITH THE AXES: INTERCEPT AND ZEROS

INTERCEPT: This term refers to the value where the graph of the function intersects the axis.
To determine this value, x is replaced by 0 in the function's equation.
Thus, y = f(0) is the value at which the graph intersects the y-axis. It is evident that given the
quadratic function, f(x) = ax² + bx + c, is the intercept.

ZEROS: This term refers to the values where the graph of the function intersects the axis.
X. To determine the intersection with the x-axis, the function is set equal to 0 and then
solve the quadratic equation. Thus, when setting in the equation y = 0, and solving
f (x) = 0, the zeros of the function are determined. The number of zeros can be 2, 1
In the last case where the graph does not intersect the X-axis.

Example: f (x) = x2-2x - 3

1) Intersection with the Y-axis: 2) Intersection with the X axis: It is done y = 0

x is evaluated at 0. Setting the quadratic function to zero results in

Then: the quadratic equation: f (x) = x2- 2x - 3 = 0, what
we solve using the expression:
f(0) = 0² - 2•0 - 3 = -3

The intersection with the axis

and is (0,-3)

The intersections with the x-axis are:

(3, 0) y (-1, 0)

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 5. PARABOLAS WITHOUT INTERSECTION WITH THE X AXIS

Within quadratic functions, we encounter parabolas that do not

they have intersections with the X-axis, that is, they only have intersections with the Y-axis, and
its graph will correspond to some of the following shapes:

Algebraically, it can be quickly determined whether a function has or does not have,
intersections with the x-axis. To do this, it is enough to analyze the sign of the DISCRIMINANT.

In the function y = f(x) = ax2+ bx + c, (a ≠ 0)

The algebraic expression of the discriminant is: b2-4ac

The equation ax2+ bx + c = 0 has no roots that are numbers

b2- 4ac < 0
real, so the solution corresponds to two numbers
Negative discriminant Complex. The graph of the function does not intersect the x-axis.

The equation ax2+ bx + c = 0 has a real solution. The graph

b2-4ac = 0 it intersects the x-axis at a point (the vertex).
(Discriminant zero)

The equation ax2ax^2 + bx + c = 0 has 2 real roots or solutions

b2- 4ac > 0
different. The graph of the function intersects the x-axis twice.
(Positive discriminant)

Example:

Let f (x) = x23x + 5, determine if it has intersections with the x-axis

First, we identify the coefficients: a = 1, b = 3, c = 5

Then we algebraically evaluate the discriminant expression:

b2- 4ac = 32- 4(1)(5) = 9 - 20 = -11

The discriminant is negative, so we determine that the equation does not

it has real roots, therefore, the graph of the function f (x) = x2+ 3x + 5, does not intersect the
x axis.

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 6. RANGE OR EXTENT OF A QUADRATIC FUNCTION
The range or spread refers to the values determined for the dependent variable y.
determine knowing the y-coordinate of the vertex, in addition to the orientation
of the parabola.

In general form: Given the quadratic function y = f(x) = ax2+ bx + c, a ≠ 0, a, b, c∈ IR

we can observe the following:

If a > 0, the range of f is: If a < 0, the range or scope of f is:

−b + −b
[ , ∞[ ]−∞ , ]
Ran f: 2a Ran f: 2a

NOTE:

To determine the trajectory having the graph, you must carefully observe the y-axis from
the vertex.
Examples:

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 2
Example 1: Determine the domain and the range of the function y= 3 x 2 Find the value
minimum of the function.

Solution:

As we know, this type of function has

its vertex at the origin of coordinates,
V(0;0).

We graph the function by tabulating.

X -2 -1 0 1 2 y=
y -1.3 -0.7 0 0.7 1,3

By observing the graph, we can deduce the

domain and the range.

Df = R
+ The minimum of the function is zero.
Rf = [0 ; ∞⟩

Ejemplo 2:Determina el dominio y el rango de la función y = 0,2 x 2 for x 2 ; 4 .

Find the minimum value of the function.

Solution:
Its vertex at the origin of
coordinates, V(0;0).
We graph the function by tabulating for
the extreme values of the function:

x −2 4
y 0,8 3,2

To determine the domain and the range

we will do the function by focusing on
his graph.
Df = [−2 , 4⟩ The minimum of the function is zero.

Rf = [ 0 ; 3,2 ⟩

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 2
Ejemplo 3:Determina el dominio y el rango de la función y =4 x – 3.

Solution:

2
Finding the vertex:
We assign the value of zero to 'x' (x = 0).

y=4x−3
2
We replaced him/her/it: y=4(0 ) −3
And we obtain: y = -3
Then the vertex is: V(0;–3)

Since the domain is all R, we find the

interception points on the x-axis.

Domain and range of the function:

By observing the graph, we can deduce the

domain and range.

Df =R
Rf = [−3 ; ∞+ ⟩

Ejemplo 4:Determina el dominio y rango de la función y =2 x 2 +1; for x ∈ ⟨−1 ;

1,5 ⟩
Solution:

Solution:
Finding the vertex:

V( 0;1)
We give 'x' the value of zero (x = 0).
We replaced him/her. y=2(0 )2 +1
And we obtain: y = 1
Then the vertex is: V(0;1)

We use the table for this.

values

x −1 1,5
y 3 5,5
Domain and range of the function:
Observing the graph, we can deduce the
domain and range.

Df = ⟨−1 ; 1,5 ⟩ Rf = [1 ;

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V. GRAPH SHOWING ITS MOST IMPORTANT ELEMENTS:
Example: Graph the following parabolas and determine: Orientation, axis of symmetry,
vértice, interceptos en ambos ejes, dominio y rango.
a) f (x) = x2-4x + 3

1. As a = 1 to 0, the parabola is open 5. We find the intersection points with the axes.
upwards.
The cutoff point with the axisYes
2. We calculate the coordinates of the vertex.
(0,f(0)) = (0,c) = (0, 3).
To find the points of intersection with the axis
X
Then the coordinates will be: (2; -1) We calculate the value of the discriminant:

3. The axis of symmetry is the line x = 2 b2-4ac; (-4)2- 4(1)(3)= 4. Therefore, the
the graph of the function intersects at 2 points
4. We build a table of values
to the x axis.
Finding symmetrical points with respect to the axis
To calculate the values of 'x', f(x) = 0
of symmetry.
So:2-4x + 3 = 0
We solve the equation:

The graph intersects the X-axis at two points.

X1= 3 X2= 1

The cutoff points are: (3,0) and (1,0)

6. Dom(f) = IR Ran(f) =[-1, +[

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b) f (x) = - x2+ 2x + 3

1. As a = -1 to 0, the parabola opens 5. We find the intersection points with the axes.
downwards.
The cutoff point with the axis Yes
2. We calculate the coordinates of the vertex.
(0,f(0)) = (0,c) = (0, 3).
To find the points of intersection with the x-axis

We calculate the value of the discriminant:

Then the coordinates will be: (1; 4)
b2- 4ac; (2)2-4(-1)(3)= 16. Therefore, the
3. The axis of symmetry is the line x = 1 the graph of the function intersects at 2 points
x axis.
4. We build a table of values
Finding symmetrical points with respect to the axis
To calculate the values of 'x', f(x) = 0
of symmetry. So: -x2+ 2x + 3 = 0
We solve the equation:

X1-1 X2= 3

The cut points are: (-1,0) and (3,0)

6. Dom(f) =IR Ran(f) =]-,4]

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c) y = x2-6x + 9

1. Since a = 1 to 0, the parabola is open 5. We find the intersection points with the axes.
upwards.
The cutoff point with the axis Yes
2. We calculate the coordinates of the vertex.
(0,f(0)) = (0,c) = (0, 9).
To find the intersection points with the axis
X
Then the coordinates will be: (3; 0) We calculate the value of the discriminant:

3. The axis of symmetry is the line x = 3 b2- 4ac; (-6)2-4(1)(9)= 0. Therefore, the
the graph of the function intersects at a point
4. We built a table of values
to the x-axis.
Finding symmetric points with respect to the axis
To calculate the values of 'x', f(x) = 0
of symmetry.
So:2- 6x + 9 = 0
We solve the equation:

X1= 3 X 2= 3

The cutoff point is: (3,0)

6. Dom(f) = IR Ran(f) =[0, +[

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d) y = -x2+ 4x - 6

1. Since a = -1, a < 0, the parabola is 5. We find the points of intersection with the axes.
open downward.
The cutoff point with the axis Yes
2. We calculate the coordinates of the vertex.
(0,f(0)) = (0,c) = (0, -6).

To find the points of intersection with the axis

Then the coordinates will be: (2; -2) X
3. The axis of symmetry is the line x =

4. We build a table of values We calculate the value of the discriminant:

Finding symmetric points with respect to the axis b2- 4ac; (4)2- 4(-1)(-6)= -8. Therefore the
de simetría. the graph of the function does not intersect the x-axis.

6. Dom(f) = IR Ran(f) =]-, -2]

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 hoja de desafíos nº 13

1. Identify the coefficients a, b, and c of the following quadratic functions:

2. Complete the tables by evaluating each quadratic function:

a) f(x) = x2-4x + 3
x -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3

y = f(x) = x2- x + 1

b) g(t) = 2t2– t
t -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3

y = g(t) = 2t2– t

c) h(x) = 3x2- x + 2

-
x -3 -1 0 1 2 3
2

y = h(x) = 3x2- x + 2

I(m) = 0.5m2+ 0.1m

1
 m -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3

y = I(m) = 0.5m2+ 0.1m

1 1
e) f(x) = x2– - x
3 2 x -3 -2 0 1 2 3
1
1 1
y = f(x) = x2–
3 2
3 x
f) p (r) = r2– 0.4
4
r -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3
3
y = p(r) = r2-0.4
4

g) q(x) = x2-4x

x -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3

y = q(x) = x2- 4x

3. Given the graph of quadratic functions, determine their domain and range.

Domain: Domain: Domain:

Range: Rank: Rango:

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Domain: Domain: Domain:

Range: Rank: Range:

4. In each case, determine the coordinates of the vertex of the functions:

a) f(x) = -x2– 4x - 5 b) f(x) = x2+ 4x + 3

c) f(y) = 8y - 2y2 d) f(z) = z2-4z + 2

1 2 3
− −
e) f(x) = 6 x 2+ 3 x -2 f) f(x) = 4 x2+ 6x – 1

g) f(x) = -0.2x2+ 12x + 7 h) f(x) = 0.02x2+ 0.4x - 3

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 1 1 5
− −
i) f(x) = f(x) =2 x 2- 4 x+3 j) f(x) = 4 x2+ 4x

5. Determine the intersections with the axes of the parabolas of the following
functions:

a) f (x) = x2+ 3x - 10 b) f (x) = -3x + 2 + x2

c) f (x) = -4x - 3 - x2 d) f (x) = - 6x + 2x2

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e) f (x) = - 3x2+ 9x f) f (x) = x2+ 8x + 16

g) f (x) = 3x2-7x + 4 h) f (x) = -1/4x2+ 5x + 7

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6. Determine the domain and range of the following quadratic functions. Make a
sketch in each case: (Find the minimum or maximum value as applicable)

a) y = -2x2 b)y = 3x2- 6x

c)y= x2- 1; for x in [ -2, 2] d)y= 2 – x2; for x ∈ ]-3, 1[,

2
e)y = - f)y = x

g) y = 3x2+ 1; for x in ]-1, 3 [ h)y = 5x2- 10; for x in ]-2, 3 [

2
7. Graph the following parabolas and determine: Orientation, axis of symmetry, vertex,
intercepts on both axes, domain and range.

a) f (x)= 3 x2

2
 X

b) f (x) == – x2+ 3

2
 X

c) f (x) = x2-2

2
 X

d)f (x) = - x2-2x + 4

X 2
 1
e) f (x) = 2 x2.

2
f) f (x) = – x2+ 4x - 3.

2
 X

g) f (x) = x2-6x + 13

2
 X

h) f(x) = -x2+ 2x - 2.

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Domain

Domain

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Code of
BOOKS, MAGAZINES, ARTICLES, THESES, WEB PAGES
library
511.3 C95 CARRASCO, Ángela. Principios de la Programación. Lima. 2005.
GIMENEZ, Joaquim. Mathematical Education and Exclusion. Barcelona:
510 F47
GRAÓ Editions. 2007.
PEDAGOGY GROUP. Educational Mathematics: Foundations of the
511.33R19
University Mathematics. Bogotá 2008
JOYANES, Luis. Fundamentals of Programming. Spain: McGraw-
510 V45
Hill. 2008
MILLER, Charles. Matemática: Razonamiento y Aplicaciones.
511.3 C95
Mexico: Addison Wesley Logman. 1999