NOTE

M A T H E M A T I C S

QUADRATIC EQUATION
GRAPHS OF QUADRATIC POLYNOMIAL

What you already know What you will learn

• Solving quadratic equations • Transforming quadratic equations

• Nature of roots • Visualisation of a quadratic equation

Transformation of a Quadratic Equation

Changing the sign of the roots of f(x) = 0

Given: f(x) = ax2 + bx + c = 0 with roots α, β

Required: Transformed quadratic equation with roots -α, -β
b
⇒ S = Sum of the roots = -α -β = -(α + β) = a
c
⇒ P = Product of the roots = (-α)(-β) = a
Recall, a quadratic equation with S as the sum of the roots and P as the product of the roots
is x2 - Sx + P
⇒ Required transformed equation is ax2 - bx + c = 0
f(-x) = ax2 - bx + c = 0
Conclusion: Replace x with -x

Adding constants to the roots of f(x) = 0

Given: f(x) = ax2 + bx + c = 0 with roots α, β

Required: Transformed quadratic equation with roots α + k, β + k, where k is some constant.
⇒ If x is the root of given equation, and y is the root of transformed equation, then y = x + k
⇒x=y-k
⇒ f(y - k) = a(y - k)2 + b(y - k) + c = 0

Example: Given f(x) = x2 + 5x + 6 = (x + 2)(x + 3) = 0 with roots -2, -3

Required transformed equation with roots α + 1, β + 1 i.e. -1, -2
Here S = Sum of the roots = -1 + ( -2) = -3 and P = Product of roots = 2
⇒ x2 - Sx + P = x2 + 3x + 2 = 0
For f(x) = x2 + 5x + 6 = 0
f(x - 1) = (x - 1)2 + 5(x - 1) + 6 = x2 + 3x + 2 = 0 = Required transformed equation
Conclusion: Replace x with x - k

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Multiplying the roots of f(x) = 0 by a constant

Given: f(x) = ax2 + bx + c = 0 with roots α and β

Required: Transformed quadratic equation with roots kα and kβ, where k is some non zero
constant
⇒ If x is the root of given equation, and y is root of transformed equation, then y = kx
y
⇒x=
k
y y y
⇒ f( ) = a( )2 + b( ) + c = 0
k k k
x
Conclusion: Replace x with
k

Using linear combination of roots of f(x) = 0

Given: f(x) = ax2 + bx + c = 0 with roots α and β

Required: Transformed quadratic equation with roots pα + q and pβ + q
⇒ If x is the root of given equation, and y is root of transformed equation, then y = px + q
y-q
⇒x= p ⇒f
y-q
p ( ) ( ) ( )
=a
y-q 2
p
+b
y-q
p
+c=0
Example: Given f(x) = x2 - 9x + 20 = 0 with roots α = 4 and β = 5
Required transformed equation with root 2α + 1 = 9 and 2β + 1 = 11
x-1 x-1 2 x-1 x2 - Sx + P = 0
f( )=( ) - 9( ) + 20 = 0
2 2 2 S = 9 + 11 = 20; P = (9)(11) = 99
x2 - 2x + 1 x-1 x2 - 2x + 1 - 18x + 18 + 80
⇒ -9 + 20 = 0 ⇒ =0 ⇒ x2 - 20x + 99 = 0
4 2 4
x2 - 20x + 99
⇒ =0
4
⇒ x2 - 20x + 99 = 0
x-q
Conclusion: Replace x with , p≠0
p

Reciprocating the roots of f(x) = 0

Given: f(x) = ax2 + bx + c = 0 with roots α and β

1 1
Required: Transformed quadratic equation with roots ,
α β
1
⇒ If x is the root of given equation, and y is root of transformed equation, then y =
x
1 1 1 2 1
⇒ x = ⇒ f( ) = a( ) + b( ) + c = 0 ⇒ cy + by + a = 0
2
y y y y
1
Conclusion: Replace x with
x

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Squaring the roots of f(x) = 0

Given: f(x) = ax2 + bx + c = 0 with roots α, β

Required: Transformed quadratic equation with roots α2, β2
⇒ If x is the root of given equation, and y is root of transformed equation, then y = x2
⇒ x = √y ⇒ f(√y) = a(√y)2 + b(√y) + c = 0
Conclusion: Replace x with √x

Exponentiating the roots of f(x) = 0 to n

Given: f(x) = ax2 + bx + c = 0 with roots α, β

Required: Transformed quadratic equation with roots αn, βn
⇒ If x is the root of given equation, and y is root of transformed equation, then y = xn
1 1 1 1
⇒ x = y n ⇒ f(y n ) = a(y n )2 + b(y n ) + c = 0
1
Conclusion: Replace x with x n

Concept Check: 1

If α, β are non-zero roots of f(x) = px2 + qx + r = 0, then the quadratic equation with roots
1 1
, is
pα + q pβ + q
p 1
(a) f(-rx) = 0 (b) f( x - q ) (c) f( ) (d) None of the these
px + q

Graph of a Quadratic Polynomial

y = f(x) = x2 y = f(x) = -x2

Graph of a quadratic expression is always a parabola

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Axis of symmetry

Vertex

Vertex

Axis of symmetry
Upward-opening parabola Downward-opening Parabola
How to plot the graph?
3 pieces of information are required to plot a graph of a quadratic expression
I. Sign of the leading coefficient ( a > 0 upward opening, a < 0 downward opening)
Upward-opening parabola Downward-opening parabola

a>0 a<0
-b
II. Vertex = , where the min value of f(x) is achieved (upward-opening)
2a

b c b b c b b D
f(x) = a (x2 + a x + a ) = a(x2 + a x + ( 2a)2 + a - ( 2a)2) = a[(x + )2 - 2]
2a 4a
D b 2
y+ = a(x + )
4a 2a

When a > 0, When a < 0,

D b D b
y+ = a(x + )2 ≥ 0 ⇒ Minimum = 0 y+ = a(x + )2 ≤ 0 ⇒ Maximum = 0
4a 2a 4a 2a
b 2 b D b 2 b D
(x + ) = 0 ⇒ x = - ⇒ y = - (x + ) = 0 ⇒ x = - ⇒ y = -
2a 2a 4a 2a 2a 4a

Highest point

-
b D
D Vertex = V = - , -
4a
(
2a 4a )
b
- b
2a -

( )
D 2a
- b D
4a Vertex = V = - 2a, - 4a

Lowest point
a<0

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III. Y-intercept
Y-intercept is the y-coordinate of a point where a graph of a quadratic expression, i.e., the
parabola, intersects the y-axis.
The coordinates of the point where parabola cuts the y−axis, i.e. (0, c).

(0, c)

(0, c)

Example: y = x2 - 3x + 2
Here, a = 1, b = -3, c = 2 and D = b2 - 4ac = 1
Three pieces of information (0, 2)
1. Leading coefficient a = 1 > 0
⇒ Upward-opening parabola
b D 3 -1
2. Vertex = V = (- , - ) = ( , ) 3 1
2a 4a 2 4 V( , - )
2 4
3. Intercept (0, c) = (0, 2)

Example: y = -x2 + 2x - 1
Here a = -1, b = 2, c = -1 and D = b2 - 4ac = 0
V(1, 0)
Three pieces of information
1. a = -1 < 0 ⇒ Downward-opening parabola
(0, -1)
b D
2. Vertex = V = (- , - ) = (1, 0)
2a 4a
3. Intercept (0, c) = (0, -1)

Example: y = x2 + x + 1
Here, a = 1, b = 1, c = 1 and D = b2 - 4ac = -3
1. a = 1 > 0 ⇒ Upward-opening parabola
b D -1 3
2. Vertex = V = (- , - ) = ( , )
2a 4a 2 4 1 3
3. Intercept (0, c) = (0, 1) V(- , ) (0, 1)
2 4

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a > 0 ⇒ y = f(x) is an upward-opening parabola.

Case 1
b D
The vertex of parabola = V = (- , - ) is below
2a 4a
x-axis.
D
⇒ - < 0 ⇒ D > 0 ⇒ Real and unequal roots α, β
4a
For α < β
(α, 0) (β, 0)
Observe f(x) > 0 ∀ x ∈ (-∞, α) U (β, ∞)
f(x) < 0 ∀ x ∈ (α, β) Intersects the x-axis at two
f(x) = 0 ⇒ x ∈ {α, β} distinct points.

Case 2
b D
The vertex of parabola = V = (- , - ) touches x-axis.
2a 4a
D
⇒ - = 0 ⇒ D = 0 ⇒ Real and equal roots α = β
4a
Observe f(x) > 0 ∀ x ∈ R - {α}
f(x) = 0 ⇒ x ∈ {α}
(α, 0)
Touches the x-axis

Case 3
b D
The vertex of parabola = V = (- , - ) is above x-axis.
2a 4a
D
⇒ - > 0 ⇒ D < 0 ⇒ Non real roots
4a
Observe f(x) > 0 ∀ x ∈ R

Does not intersect the x-axis.

To summarise

a>0

D>0 D=0 D<0

Intersects the x-axis at Touches the x-axis Does not intersect

two distinct points. the x-axis.

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a < 0 and for a > 0 ⇒ y = f(x) is upward-opening parabola.

Case 1
b D
The vertex of parabola = V = (- , - ) is above (α, 0) (β, 0)
2a 4a
x-axis.
D
⇒- >0
4a
⇒ D > 0 as a < 0 ⇒ Real and unequal roots α, β
For α < β
Intersects the x-axis at two
Observe f(x) < 0 ∀ x ∈ (-∞, α) U (β, ∞) distinct points.
f(x) > 0 ∀ x ∈ (α, β)
f(x) = 0 ⇒ x ∈ {α, β}

Case 2
b D (α, 0)
The vertex of parabola = V = (- , - ) touches x-axis.
2a 4a
D
⇒ - = 0 ⇒ D = 0 ⇒ Real and equal roots α = β
4a
Observe f(x) < 0 ∀ x ∈ R - {α}
f(x) = 0 ⇒ x ∈ {α}

Touches the x-axis

Case 3
b D
The vertex of parabola = V = (- , - ) is below x-axis.
2a 4a
D
⇒ - < 0 ⇒ D < 0 as a < 0 ⇒ Non real roots
4a
No real roots D < 0
Observe f(x) < 0 ∀ x ∈ R

Does not intersect the x-axis.

To summarise

a<0
D>0 D=0 D<0

Intersects the x-axis at Does not intersect

Touches the x-axis
two distinct points. the x-axis.

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Concept Check 2

If roots of ax2 + bx + 1 = 0 are imaginary, then:

a b a b
(a) + + 1 < 0 (b) 4a - 2b + 1 > 0 (c) + +1>0 (d) 4a - 2b + 1 < 0
9 3 9 3

Concept Check 3

The graph of ax2 + bx + c is given. Then, y - axis

(a) b2 - 4ac > 0 (b) b < 0
(c) a > 0 (d) None of these

x - axis

Summary

Key Takeaways

If f(x) = ax2 + bx + c = 0 is a quadratic equation with roots α, β, then

1. f(-x) is a transformed quadratic equation with roots -α, -β
2. f(x - k) is a transformed quadratic equation with roots α + k, β + k
x
3. f( ) is a transformed quadratic equation with roots kα, kβ
k
x-q
4. f( p ) is a transformed quadratic equation with roots pα + q and pβ + q
1 1 1
5. f( ) is a transformed quadratic equation with roots ,
x α β
6. f(√x) is a transformed quadratic equation with roots α2, β2
1
7. f(x n ) is a transformed quadratic equation with roots αn, βn

Key Graphs

For parabola, graph of quadratic equation f(x) = ax2 + bx + c

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a>0
D>0 D=0 D<0

Intersects the x-axis at Touches the x-axis Does not intersect

two distinct points the x-axis

a<0
D>0 D=0 D<0

Intersects the x-axis at Does not intersect

Touches the x-axis
two distinct points the x-axis

Mind map

For roots pα + q, pβ + q
x-q For roots -α, -β
Replace x with p
Replace x with -x

1 1
For roots ,
α β f(x) = ax2 + bx + c = 0 For roots α + k, β + k
1 Roots α, β Replace x with x - k
Replace x with
x

For roots α2, β2 For roots kα, kβ

Replace x with √x x
Replace x with
k
For roots αn, βn
1
Replace x with x n

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D= 0

a>0
Upward-opening
Parabola
D> 0 D< 0

Graph of
Quadratic
Equation
f(x) = ax2 + bx + c

D> 0 D< 0
a<0
Downward-opening
Parabola

D= 0

Self-Assessment

1. If the roots of the equation ax2 + bx + c = 0 are reciprocal of the roots of the equation
px2 + qx + r = 0, then prove ap = rc.
2. If α, β are roots of the equation ax2 + bx + c = 0 then, find the quadratic equation whose roots are
1 1
2, .
(aα + b) (aβ + b)2
3. If the vertex of the curve y = −2 x2 − 4px − k is (−2, 7), then find the value of k.

Answers

Concept Check 1
-r
If x is the root of the given equation f(x) = px2 + qx + r = 0 ⇒ x(px + q) = -r ⇒ px + q =
x
1 -x
Let y be the root of the transformed equation ⇒ y = = ⇒ x = -ry
px + q r
Substituting x = -ry in f(x)
f(-ry) = p(-ry)2 + q(-ry) + r = 0 ⇒ pr2 y2 -qry + r = 0
Therefore, the transformed quadratic equation is pr2 x2 -qrx + r = 0 = f(-rx).
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 11

Concept Check 2
We have, roots of f(x) = ax2 + bx+ 1 = 0 are imaginary ⇒ D = b2 - 4ac = b2 - 4a < 0
Also, f(0) = 1 > 0 ⇒ f(x) > 0 ∀ x ∈ R, as f(x) = ax2 + bx + 1 is upward-opening parabola with a > 1
f(-2) = 4a - 2b + 1 > 0
1 a b
f( ) = + + 1 > 0
3 9 3
Options (b) and (c) represent correct answers.
Concept Check 3
We can observe a > 0, as the graph is upward-opening y-axis
Clearly, f(x) = 0 has two distinct real roots ⇒ D = b2 - 4ac > 0
b D
Vertex = V = (- , - ) is in fourth quadrant, i.e., x > 0 and y < 0
2a 4a
-b
⇒x= >0⇒b<0
2a x-axis
Intercept = (0, c) is negative ⇒ c < 0
Hence, options (a), (b), (c) are the correct answers.

Self-Assessment
1. Let α, β be the roots of equation f(x) = ax2 + bx + c = 0, then roots of the equation
1 1
g(x) = px2 + qx + r = 0, will be ,
α β
Observe
1 1 1
g( ) = p 2 + q + r = 0 will have roots α, β ⇒ rx2 + qx + p = 0 and ax2 + bx + c = 0 have both roots
x x x
common, i.e., α, β.
a b c
⇒ = = = k ⇒ ap = rc.
r q p
Hence proved.

2.
We know that The quadratic equation whose Hence, the required quadratic
α, β are the roots of α2 β 2 equation is
roots are 2 , 2 is
ax2 + bx + c + 0...(1) c c (a2c2)x2 + (2ac - b2)x + 1 = 0.
Now, x2
aα2 + bα + c = 0 Let y = 2 , where x = α, β
c
c c c y=x
2 2
⇒ (aα + b) = - , (aβ + b) = -
α β ⇒ x = c√y
Therefore, Putting this in the equation (1),
1 α2
= a(c√y)2 + b(c√y) + c = 0
(aα + b)2 c2
1 β2 ⇒ ac2y+ bc√y + c = 0
2 = 2
(aβ + b) c ⇒ (ac2y + c)2 = (-bc√y)2
⇒ a2c4y2 + (2ac3 - b2c2)y + c2 = 0
⇒ (a2c2)y2 + (2ac - b2)y + 1 = 0

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3.
Comparing y = −2x2 − 4px − k = 0 with y = ax2 + bx + c = 0
We get, a = -2, b = -4p, c = -k
So, the coordinates of the vertex is
-b -D
( , ) = (-2, 7)
2a 4a
-(-4p) -(16p2 -8k)
⇒ = -2 , =7
-4 -8
⇒ p=2
-(16p2 -8k)
⇒ = 7 ⇒ 16 × 4 - 8k = 56 ⇒ k = 1
-8

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