Factored Form of a Quadratic Function

Oct 13, 2025 by pynkocean.com 69 views

**Consider the Quadratic Function: A Step-by-Step Guide** ===========================================================

Introduction

In this article, we will explore the concept of quadratic functions and how to find the value of a specific coefficient in the factored form of a given function. We will consider a quadratic function with x-intercepts of -1 and -7 and passing through the point (-2, -20). Our goal is to determine the value of a in the factored form of this function.

What is a Quadratic Function?

A quadratic function is a polynomial function of degree two, which means the highest power of the variable (usually x) is two. The general form of a quadratic function is:

f(x) = ax^2 + bx + c

where a, b, and c are constants, and a cannot be equal to zero.

Factored Form of a Quadratic Function

The factored form of a quadratic function is:

f(x) = a(x - r)(x - s)

where r and s are the x-intercepts of the function.

Given Information

We are given a quadratic function with x-intercepts of -1 and -7 and passing through the point (-2, -20). This means that the function can be written in the factored form as:

f(x) = a(x + 1)(x + 7)

Finding the Value of a

To find the value of a, we can use the given point (-2, -20) and substitute it into the factored form of the function.

f(-2) = a(-2 + 1)(-2 + 7) f(-2) = a(-1)(5) f(-2) = -5a

We are given that f(-2) = -20, so we can set up the equation:

-5a = -20

Solving for a

To solve for a, we can divide both sides of the equation by -5:

a = -20 / -5 a = 4

Conclusion

In this article, we considered a quadratic function with x-intercepts of -1 and -7 and passing through the point (-2, -20). We used the factored form of the function to find the value of a, which is 4.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the general form of a quadratic function?

A: The general form of a quadratic function is f(x) = ax^2 + bx + c, where a, b, and c are constants, and a cannot be equal to zero.

Q: What is the factored form of a quadratic function?

A: The factored form of a quadratic function is f(x) = a(x - r)(x - s), where r and s are the x-intercepts of the function.

Q: How do I find the value of a in the factored form of a quadratic function?

A: To find the value of a, you can use the given point and substitute it into the factored form of the function. Then, you can solve for a using algebraic methods.

Q: What is the value of a in the factored form of the given function?

A: The value of a in the factored form of the given function is 4.

Q: How do I determine the x-intercepts of a quadratic function?

A: To determine the x-intercepts of a quadratic function, you can use the factored form of the function and set the function equal to zero. Then, you can solve for x.

Q: What is the significance of the x-intercepts of a quadratic function?

A: The x-intercepts of a quadratic function are the points where the function intersects the x-axis. They are also the roots of the function.

Q: How do I graph a quadratic function?

A: To graph a quadratic function, you can use the x-intercepts and the vertex of the function. The vertex is the point where the function changes direction.

Q: What is the vertex of a quadratic function?

A: The vertex of a quadratic function is the point where the function changes direction. It is also the minimum or maximum point of the function.

Q: How do I find the vertex of a quadratic function?

A: To find the vertex of a quadratic function, you can use the formula x = -b / 2a, where a and b are the coefficients of the function.

Q: What is the significance of the vertex of a quadratic function?

A: The vertex of a quadratic function is the point where the function changes direction. It is also the minimum or maximum point of the function.

Q: How do I determine the minimum or maximum value of a quadratic function?

A: To determine the minimum or maximum value of a quadratic function, you can use the vertex of the function. The minimum or maximum value is the y-coordinate of the vertex.

Q: What is the significance of the minimum or maximum value of a quadratic function?

A: The minimum or maximum value of a quadratic function is the lowest or highest point of the function. It is also the point where the function changes direction.

Q: How do I use the factored form of a quadratic function to find the x-intercepts?

A: To use the factored form of a quadratic function to find the x-intercepts, you can set the function equal to zero and solve for x.

Q: What is the significance of the x-intercepts of a quadratic function?

A: The x-intercepts of a quadratic function are the points where the function intersects the x-axis. They are also the roots of the function.

Q: How do I use the factored form of a quadratic function to find the vertex?

A: To use the factored form of a quadratic function to find the vertex, you can use the formula x = -b / 2a, where a and b are the coefficients of the function.

Q: What is the significance of the vertex of a quadratic function?

A: The vertex of a quadratic function is the point where the function changes direction. It is also the minimum or maximum point of the function.

Q: How do I use the factored form of a quadratic function to find the minimum or maximum value?

A: To use the factored form of a quadratic function to find the minimum or maximum value, you can use the vertex of the function. The minimum or maximum value is the y-coordinate of the vertex.

Q: What is the significance of the minimum or maximum value of a quadratic function?

A: The minimum or maximum value of a quadratic function is the lowest or highest point of the function. It is also the point where the function changes direction.

Q: How do I use the factored form of a quadratic function to find the x-intercepts, vertex, and minimum or maximum value?

A: To use the factored form of a quadratic function to find the x-intercepts, vertex, and minimum or maximum value, you can use the following steps:

Set the function equal to zero and solve for x to find the x-intercepts.
Use the formula x = -b / 2a to find the x-coordinate of the vertex.
Use the y-coordinate of the vertex to find the minimum or maximum value.

Q: What is the significance of the x-intercepts, vertex, and minimum or maximum value of a quadratic function?

A: The x-intercepts, vertex, and minimum or maximum value of a quadratic function are all important points that can help you understand the behavior of the function.

Q: How do I use the factored form of a quadratic function to find the x-intercepts, vertex, and minimum or maximum value in a real-world application?

A: To use the factored form of a quadratic function to find the x-intercepts, vertex, and minimum or maximum value in a real-world application, you can use the following steps:

Identify the x-intercepts, vertex, and minimum or maximum value of the function.
Use the factored form of the function to find the x-intercepts, vertex, and minimum or maximum value.
Use the x-intercepts, vertex, and minimum or maximum value to make predictions or decisions in the real world.

Q: What is the significance of using the factored form of a quadratic function in a real-world application?

A: Using the factored form of a quadratic function in a real-world application can help you make predictions or decisions based on the behavior of the function.

Q: How do I use the factored form of a quadratic function to make predictions or decisions in a real-world application?

A: To use the factored form of a quadratic function to make predictions or decisions in a real-world application, you can use the following steps:

Identify the x-intercepts, vertex, and minimum or maximum value of the function.
Use the factored form of the function to find the x-intercepts, vertex, and minimum or maximum value.
Use the x-intercepts, vertex, and minimum or maximum value to make predictions or decisions in the real world.

Q: What is the significance of using the factored form of a quadratic function to make predictions or decisions in a real-world application?

A: Using the factored form of a quadratic function to make predictions or decisions in a real-world application can help you make informed decisions based on the behavior of the function.

Q: How do I use the factored form of a quadratic function to make predictions or decisions in a real-world application?

A: To use the factored form of a quadratic function to make predictions or decisions in a real-world application, you can use the following steps:

Identify the x-intercepts, vertex, and minimum or maximum value of the function.
Use the factored form