Scribd
Upload
26 views

Completing The Square: How To Convert A Quadratic Functions Into Vertex Form

This document provides steps for converting a quadratic function in standard form into vertex form to make it easier to graph. The 8 steps are: 1) Write the function in standard form, 2) Group the x2 and x terms in brackets, 3) Calculate half the coefficient of x squared, 4) Add this value inside the brackets, 5) Subtract this value outside the brackets, 6) Factor the expression in brackets, 7) Simplify constants, and 8) Graph the function in its new vertex form. An example is worked through to demonstrate the process.

Uploaded by

rbanow
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
26 views

Completing The Square: How To Convert A Quadratic Functions Into Vertex Form

This document provides steps for converting a quadratic function in standard form into vertex form to make it easier to graph. The 8 steps are: 1) Write the function in standard form, 2) Group the x2 and x terms in brackets, 3) Calculate half the coefficient of x squared, 4) Add this value inside the brackets, 5) Subtract this value outside the brackets, 6) Factor the expression in brackets, 7) Simplify constants, and 8) Graph the function in its new vertex form. An example is worked through to demonstrate the process.

Uploaded by

rbanow
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 14

Completing the Square

How to Convert a Quadratic Functions into Vertex Form


1 Ryan Banow ETAD 803

Outcome
By the end of this slideshow, you should be able to convert a simplified quadratic function with a leading coefficient of 1 into vertex form
It is much easier to graph a quadratic function when it is in vertex form

Overview of the Steps


1. Write in standard form.

2. Bracket ax2 + bx.


3. Calculate the square of b 2.

4. Inside the brackets, add this value.


5. Outside the brackets, subtract this value. 6. Factor the perfect trinomial square. 7. Simplify the constants.
3

8. Ready to graph!

1. Write in standard form


Write the quadratic in the form y = ax2 + bx + c
i. ii. Isolate y Write other terms in descending degree

Ex.

x2 - 2 = 4x - y y = x2 - 4x + 2

2. Bracket ax2 + bx
Group the ax2 + bx terms within a pair of brackets Ex. y = (x2 - 4x) + 2

3. Calculate the square of b 2


Beside the question, calculate the square of b 2 Ex. (4 2)2 = (2)2 = 4

4. Inside the brackets, add this value


Inside the brackets, add the value calculated in Step 3 Ex. y = (x2 - 4x + 4) + 2

5. Outside the brackets, subtract this value


In order to keep the equation balanced, you must subtract the same value Do this directly to the right of the brackets Ex. y = (x2 - 4x + 4) - 4 + 2

6. Factor the perfect trinomial square


There is now a perfect trinomial square within the brackets Factor this and write as a binomial squared Ex. y = (x - 2)2 - 4 + 2

7. Simplify the constants


Simplify the constant terms outside the brackets by adding them together Ex. y = (x - 2)2 - 2

10

8. Ready to graph!
The quadratic is now in vertex form and may be easily graphed using your previous understanding of vertex form

11

Summary of the Steps


1. Write in standard form. Ex. x2 - 3 = y + 6x y = x2 - 6x - 3 2. Bracket ax2 + bx. Ex. y = (x2 - 6x) - 3 3. Calculate the square of b2. Ex. (-6 2)2 = (-3)2 = 9 4. Inside the brackets, add this value. Ex. y = (x2 - 6x + 9) - 3

12

Summary of the Steps (continued)


5. Outside the brackets, subtract this value. Ex. y = (x2 - 6x + 9) - 9 - 3 6. Factor the perfect trinomial square. Ex. y = (x - 3)2 - 9 - 3 7. Simplify the constants. Ex. y = (x2 - 3)2 - 12 8. Ready to graph!
13

Conclusion
You should now be able to convert a simplified quadratic function with a leading coefficient of 1 into vertex form
Graphing is easier in vertex form!

14

You might also like