Unit 3: Polynomials &
Rational Functions
Lesson 1: Quadratic Functions
Bellwork - SAT Question
If , what is the value of ?
A) 212
B) 44
C) 82
D) The value cannot be determined from the information
given.
U3L1: Quadratic Functions & Models
Objective:
I can graph and model quadratic functions by using
the vertex formula and completing the square.
Polynomial Function
● Def. degree:
● Def. leading coefficient:
● an , an–1, an–2, …, a1, ao
● f(x) = 0 ⇒ “zero polynomial”
Quadratic Function
● Def. quadratic function
● Standard Form
f(x) = ax2 + bx + c
● Graph of a quadratic function ⇒ “parabola”
Quadratic Function & Parabolas
f(x) = x2 a b
simplest quadratic:
a = 1, b = 0, & c = 0
d
x f(x)
-2 4
-1 1
0 0
1 1 c
2 4
Desmos: f(x) = ax2
See what happens when…
● a < 0 ⇒ a is negative
● 0 < a < 1 ⇒ a is a number between zero & one
Vertex Form
f(x) = a(x – h)2 + k
See how a, h, and k change the graph of f(x) = x2
● a
● h
● k
Graphing Quadratics
● Plotting points → create an x-y table
● Completing the Square → change to vertex form
● *Factoring → find the zeros & the vertex
* Not “nice” if zeros are not integers
Graphing Quadratics: Plotting Points
x f(x)
Complete the table
-5
for the equation: -4
f(x) = x2 + 4x – 4 -3
-2
-1
1
Graphing Quadratics:
Completing the Square
Perfect Square Binomials
(x ± a)2 = x2 ± 2ax + a2
---
f(x) = x2 + 2x – 5
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Khan Acad
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Com t t
Squ
Graphing Quadratics:
Completing the Square
Practice:
f(x) = x2 – 4x + 4 f(x) = 2x2 + x – 6
Also, find the vertex, axis of symmetry, x-intercept(s),
& decide if the graph is “wide” or “narrow”.
Graphing Quadratics:
Completing the Square
f(x) = ax2 ± bx + c ⇔ f(x) = a(x ± h)2 + k
Graph Characteristics:
● h=
● k= ⇒ f(h) = f( )=k
Gravity: Modeling - “throwing a ball”
s(t) = -16t2 + v0t – s0
● (t,s) ⇒ t = time (sec); s = height (ft)
● -16 ≈ gravitational constant (ft/sec2) ÷ 2
Physics C
onnection
● v0 = initial velocity
Gravitatio
nal
(g) is 9.8 m Constant
● s0 = initial height eters per
sec 2
9.8 meter
s = 32.2 f
eet
therefore…
g = 9.8 m 2
/s = 32.3
ft /s 2
Gravity: Modeling - “throwing a ball”
A ball is thrown directly upward from an initial
height of 75 ft with an initial velocity of 112 ft/sec.
● When does the ball reach its max height?
● What is the max height?
