C1 – Chapter 2 : Quadratic Functions

You have been introduced to quadratics

expressions at GCSE and have seen how to
factorise them and how they can be used to find
solutions..…It is important that you are able to
extensively recognize, manipulate, graph and find
solutions of quadratics. Lets consolidate our
knowledge of quadratics…….


Quadratics always have a squared term, eg x 2


Quadratics have two roots, which can be real,
not real or repeated


When plotted a quadratic will produce a curve
called a parabola…this can either be a shape
or a shape depending on the sign of the
squared term.


The Parabola is symmetrical about a vertical
line.

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If you are asked to produce a sketch of a graph
you must show the examiner that you are able to
draw the correct shape and position with any
points of intersection clearly labeled……

To be able to do this it is a good idea to have a

general idea of what the graph will look like….

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2.1 Plotting graphs of quadratic functions

When you are asked to make an accurate graph a

table must be drawn and set up and points plotted…

Example 1:
Draw the graph of y = x2 + 8x +12, taking values of
x from 1 to 8. Show the points of intersection with
any axes and draw on the line of symmetry.

Complete Ex 2A on page 15

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2.2 Solving quadratic equations and finding
roots

To find the roots of an equation we must factorise

the expression and equate it to zero. Finding two
values of x when the equation equals zero enables
us to establish the roots and also tells us where
the parabola cuts on the x axis….

Factorise the following expressions, find the roots

and hence produce a small sketch

Example 2:

X2 – 6x + 8

Solution 2:

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Example 3:

X2 – 9

Solution 3:

Example 4:

2X2 = 4x

Solution 4:

Complete Ex 2B on page 17

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2.3 Completing the square

Another way to factorise quadratics is to Complete

the Square…..This method is usually adopted when
you are unable to factorise the expression into two
brackets or if you are asked to produce EXACT
ROOTS(surd form)…….

The LHS of the equation is obtained in the form

X2 ± bx
and then the following form is applied….

X2 ± bx = ( x ± )2 - ( )2

Note: Completing the square is important

as it also allows us to identify the co-
ordinates of the Maximum/Minimum value
of the parabola…..

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Complete the square for the following expressions:
Example 5:

X2 – 3x

Solution 5:

Example 6:

X2 + 7x

Solution 6:

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Example 7:

2X2 - 10x

Solution 7:

Example 8:

3X2 - 9x

Solution 8:

Complete Ex 2C on page 18

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2.4 Solving quadratics by completing the
square
Completing the square enables us to find the EXACT
roots of a quadratic, eg in SURD FORM….

Example 9: Find the exact roots of:

X2 + 8x + 10 = 0

Solution 9:

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Note: To apply the completing the square
format you must have a single x2 term…

Example 10: Find the exact roots of:

2X2 - 8x + 7 = 0

Solution 10:

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This format is very important as it allows us to
identify the co-ordinates of the maximum/minimum
point on the parabola….

i.e ( x + p)2 - q = 0

For example in the previous example we had

(x– )2 =

Example 11: Complete the square and hence

state the least or greatest co-ordinates on the
parabola

a) 3X2 + 2x - 4 = 0

b) 2X2 - 5x + 2 = 0

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Solution 11:

Complete Ex 2D on page 19

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2.5 Solving quadratics by use of the
formula

When you have a quadratic that cannot be

factorised into brackets or you are asked for
roots of an equation correct to a given number of
decimal places you should use the FORMULA……

For quadratics of the form ax2 + bx + c = 0, use

X = -b ± √(b2 – 4ac)
2a

Where a, b and c are coefficients obtained from the quadratic

Example 12: Solve the equation 4x2 - 3x - 2 = 0, giving the

exact roots of the equation.

Solution 12:

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Example 13: Solve the equation 4x2 - 7x – 6 = 0, giving the
exact roots of the equation.

Complete Exercise 2E on page 21

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 2.6 Sketching graphs and using the
discriminant to evaluate the nature of roots

The discriminant of an equation is the numerical value

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of the expression b – 4ac. The discriminant is important
as it enables us to determine the nature of the roots of
the equation…….

Roots of an equation are determined by the position of

the parabola in relation to the x axis…..

Cuts x Parabola Parabola does

axis in touches x not cut or
two axis at one touch the x
different point axis
positions

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By obtaining a numerical value for the discriminant, we
can conclude whether the roots are real, not real or
repeated…….

When a > 0, Parabola will be U shaped and

will therefore have a minimum point…..

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When a < 0, Parabola will be n shaped and
will therefore have a maximum point…..

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Summary
So the expression b2 – 4ac, the discriminant, of the quadratic
expression ax2 + bx + c, because by its numerical value it
discriminates between the type of solution….

Example 14: What can you determine from the

values of the discriminants of these equations:

a) 2x2 – 3x – 4 = 0

b) 2x2 – 4x + 5 = 0

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Example 15: Sketch the graph of y = 3x2 – 4x – 4

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Example 16: The equation k2 – 2x -7 = 0 has two
real roots, find the value of k.

Example 17: The equation 3x2 + 2x + k = 0 has a

repeated root, find the value of k.

Complete Ex. 2F and 2G on pages 22 and 23

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