Quadratic Function

By, Christina Stephanie

Quadratic function leaves you many ways or solution for an equation. In which where it
includes using the formula, factorization, and completing the perfect square. Its important for
us to learn and apply daily, using various solutions to solve our problems everyday.
Quadratic Function
A quadratic function is one of the form f(x) = ax2 + bx + c, where a, b, and c are
numbers with a not equal to zero.
(dl.uncw.edu)
Ways to solve
1.

Factorization
x2 4 = 0
(x+2) (x+2)
x = -2 or x = 2

2. Completing the square

x (x+6) = 40
x2 + 6x = 40
x2 + 6x + 32 = 40 + 32
x2 + 6x + 32 = 40 + 9

x2 + 6x + 32 = 49
(x+3)(x+3) = 49
x+3 = 49
x+3 = 7
x=4

3. Quadratic Formula
6x2 + 7x + 2 = 0
x=

7 7 24 (6 x 2)
2x 6
7 4948
x=
12
7 1
x=
12

x=
x=

7 1
12
7+1
=
12

6
12

1
2

or
x=

71
12
2
3

8
12

Proving Quadratic Formula

PROVING QUADRATIC FORMULA
1. Divide both sides of ax2 + bx + c = 0 by a so we can complete the square

2. Subtract c/a from both sides

3. Complete the square:

The coefficient of the second term is b/a
Divide this coefficient by 2 and square the result to get (b/2a)2
Add (b/2a)2 to both sides:

4. Since the left side of the equation right above is a perfect square, you can factor the left
side by using the coefficient of the first term (x) and the base of the last term(b/2a)
Add these two and raise everything to the second.
Then, square the right side to get (b2)/(4a2)

5.

Get the same denominator on the right side:

6. Now, take the square root of each side:

7.

Simplify the left side:

8. Rewrite the right side:

9. Subtract b/2a from both sides

10. Adding the numerator and keeping the same denominator, we get the quadratic
formula:

The + - between the b and the square root sign means plus or negative. In other words, most of
the time, you will get two answers when using the quadratic formula.

Example
A skateboard manufacturer finds that the cost $C of making x skateboards per day is given
by C (x) = x2 24x + 244
a. How many skateboards should be made per day to minimize the cost of
production?
b. What is the minimum cost?
c. What is the cost if no skateboards are made in a day?
a.

x2 24x + 244 = 0
24/2 = 12
skateboards

b. 122 24(12) + 244 =

c (12)
144 288 + 244 =
$100

c.

02 24(0) +244
= $244

Graph

a.
Graph for question a.
Conclusion Quadratic function, allows us to solve quadratic equations in 3 different ways. It opens our
mind to solve a problem, and being able to solve it in various ways. Economic problems, like
selling, demands can be graphed and viewed using quadratic function.