4.3-4 Quadratic Functions and Models I. Definition A quadratic function is a function of the form (standard form) where a, b, and c are real numbers and a 0. The domain of a quadratic function consists of all real numbers unless it is in an application problem that dictates otherwise. II. Graphing a Quadratic Function Using Transformations A quadratic function in transformation form 2 is the parabola y ax shifted horizontally h units and vertically k units. As a result, the vertex is (h, k). The graph opens up if a > 0 and down if a < 0. The axis of symmetry is the vertical line x = h. However, most quadratics are not given in this form. Getting them into this form requires completing the square, which is tedious. EX. Graph d. Use symmetry and plot more points as needed to draw the graph. 4.3-4 Quadratic Functions and Models Page 1
III. Identify the Vertex and Axis of Symmetry of a Quadratic Function Let where a, b, c, are real numbers and a 0 Shape of graph: Parabola Domain: all real numbers If a 0 parabola opens up If a 0 parabola opens down The absolute value of a tells you about any vertical stretch or compression. Vertex: ( ( )) maximum or minimum point on the parabola Axis of symmetry: vertical line passing through vertex: x-intercepts: Use the discriminant to determine the # of x-intercepts y intercept b 2a no x-intercepts one x-intercept (touches the x-axis at the vertex) has two distinct x-intercepts: cross x-axis twice EX. 2 e. Does the parabola open up or down? f. Find the vertex. g. Axis of symmetry h. x-intercept(s) i. y-intercept 4.3-4 Quadratic Functions and Models Page 2
EX. d. x-intercept(s) e. y-intercept EX. d. x-intercept(s) e. y-intercept 4.3-4 Quadratic Functions and Models Page 3
EX. d. x-intercept(s) e. y-intercept IV. Finding the Maximum or minimum value of a quadratic function Demand Equation The price p in dollars and the quantity x sold of a certain product obey the demand equation Revenue = # items produced price of each item Express the revenue R as a function of x. Find the number of items to sell to maximize the revenue. Find the maximum revenue. Find the price to charge for maximum revenue. 4.3-4 Quadratic Functions and Models Page 4
Ex: Suppose that the manufacturer of a washing machine has found that when the unit price is p dollars, the revenue R is a. What unit price should be established for the washing machine to maximize revenue? b. What is the maximum revenue? EX: Enclosing a Rectangular Field along a River: 3000 feet of fencing are available to enclose a rectangular field. No fencing will be used on the side along the river. a. Express the area A of the rectangle as a function of the width w of the rectangle. b. For what dimensions will the area be the largest? c. What is the maximum area? V. Fitting a Quadratic Function to Data Quadratic data will have scatter plots that suggest a parabolic model: 4.3-4 Quadratic Functions and Models Page 5
Fitting a Quadratic Function to Data The method is the same as for linear regression, except you choose quadratic regression: Press STAT, then under the CALC menu, choose 5:QuadReg, ENTER. To graph the curve: Press Y= VARS choose 5:Statistics; then under the EQ menu, choose 1:RegEQ. Ex: Automobile Speed for Optimal Gas Mileage An engineer collects the following data for a Toyota Camry. Speed s is in miles per hour, and gas mileage is in miles per gallon. Avg. Speed 30 18 35 20 40 23 40 25 45 25 50 28 55 30 60 29 65 26 65 25 70 25 Gas Mileage a. Create a scatter plot. Does the data appear to be linear or quadratic in nature? b. Find the equation of the best fitting model. Round to 3 decimal places. c. Use the model to estimate the speed that will yield the best gas mileage, rounded to the nearest.1 mi/hour. d. According to the model, what is the best gas mileage for this car, rounded to the nearest.1 mi/gal? 4.3-4 Quadratic Functions and Models Page 6