ONG KAI WEN (COPYRIGHTED) ©

ONG KAI WEN (COPYRIGHTED) ©

Topic 1:
Quadratic Functions (4049)
 ONG KAI WEN (COPYRIGHTED) ©

THE ABOUT

MASTERY

CHAPTER ANALYSIS
• Finding the maximum or minimum value of a quadratic
function using the method of completing the square

• Conditions for 𝒚 = 𝒂𝒙𝟐 + 𝒃𝒙 + 𝒄 to be always positive EXAM

(or always negative)

• Using quadratic functions as models

WEIGHTAGE
 ONG KAI WEN (COPYRIGHTED) ©

KEY CONCEPT

Quadratic Functions
Maximum / Minimum points
Sketching of Quadratic Functions
Conditions for Positivity/Negativity
 ONG KAI WEN (COPYRIGHTED) ©

Quadratic functions
A polynomial function, 𝒇 𝒙 = 𝒂𝒙𝟐 + 𝒃𝒙 + 𝒄, of the second degree,
where 𝒂𝒙𝟐 is the quadratic term, 𝒃𝒙 the linear term, 𝒄 the
constant term is known as the quadratic function

𝒂 and 𝒃 are known as the coefficients of the 𝒙𝟐 and 𝒙 term

respectively

3 ways of expressing:
• 𝒚 = 𝒂𝒙𝟐 + 𝒃𝒙 + 𝒄
• 𝒇: 𝒙 ⟼ 𝒂𝒙𝟐 + 𝒃𝒙 + 𝒄
• 𝒇 𝒙 = 𝒂𝒙𝟐 + 𝒃𝒙 + 𝒄

Maximum / minimum point

Also known as the “Turning Point” or “Vertex” of a graph

Signature Point

Positive (𝒂 > 𝟎) Minimum Point

Negative (𝒂 < 𝟎) Maximum Point

 ONG KAI WEN (COPYRIGHTED) ©

Finding maximum / minimum points

1. Completing the Square

Rearrange the quadratic function

𝟐
𝒇 𝒙 = 𝒂𝒙𝟐 + 𝒃𝒙 + 𝒄 𝒇 𝒙 =𝒂 𝒙−𝒉 +𝒌

Maximum / Minimum value of quadratic function is 𝒌 and occurs

when 𝒙 = 𝒉

𝟐
𝒃 𝒃
𝒌= 𝒄−𝒂 𝒉=−
𝟐𝒂 𝟐𝒂

2. Line of Symmetry

The line of symmetry of the graph can be found by adding the

𝒙 −intercepts of graph and dividing the total value by 𝟐

𝒙𝟏 + 𝒙𝟐
𝒙 − 𝐜𝐨𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐞 =
𝟐

The line of symmetry of the graph denotes the 𝒙-coordinate of

the Maximum / Minimum point

The 𝒚-coordinate of the Maximum / Minimum point can be

found by substituting the 𝒙-coordinate into 𝒇 𝒙
 ONG KAI WEN (COPYRIGHTED) ©

Set up: Finding maximum / minimum points

3. Differentiation

Differentiate the quadratic function to obtain the differential function

𝒇 𝒙 = 𝒂𝒙𝟐 + 𝒃𝒙 + 𝒄 𝒇" 𝒙 = 𝟐𝒂𝒙 + 𝒃

To find the 𝒙-coordinate of the Maximum / Minimum point, solve for 𝒙

when 𝒇# 𝒙 = 𝟎, (∵ gradient of graph = 𝟎)

To find the 𝒚-coordinate of the Maximum / Minimum point substitute

the 𝒙-coordinate into 𝒇 𝒙

CALCULATING
RATE OF REACTION
 ONG KAI WEN (COPYRIGHTED) ©

Features of a quadratic graph

1. 𝒙-intercepts

Substitute 𝒚 = 𝟎 into the equation of the curve. The graph cuts the
𝒙-axis at those points where 𝒚 = 𝟎

2. 𝒚-intercepts

Substitute 𝒙 = 𝟎 into the equation of the curve. The graph cuts the
𝒚-axis at those points where 𝒙 = 𝟎

3. Turning point

Presentation of coordinates always with the brackets “( )”

𝒙, 𝒚

Use methods shown in the previous 2 slides

The shape of the quadratic graph is based on the 4. Line of symmetry

signature of the quadratic coefficient 𝒂
A vertical line that cuts a curve exactly in half, always formatted as
Signature of 𝒂 Implication an equation of the form
𝒂>𝟎 Happy-face curve 𝒙=𝜶
𝒂<𝟎 Sad-face curve
 ONG KAI WEN (COPYRIGHTED) ©

Common Mistakes
Conditions for positivity/negativity

No Real Roots

The curve does not intersect with the 𝒙-axis, there are no real roots

𝑫 = 𝒃𝟐 − 𝟒𝒂𝒄 < 𝟎

Signature of 𝒂
The shape of the quadratic graph is based on the
signature of the quadratic coefficient 𝒂 Dependent on whether it is positive or negative, the signature of the
quadratic coefficient 𝒂 changes
Signature of 𝒂 Implication
𝒂>𝟎 Happy-face curve Signature of 𝒂 Type of Graph
𝒂<𝟎 Sad-face curve
𝒂>𝟎 Positive

𝒂<𝟎 Negative
About Us Notes prepared by:

OVERMUGGED is a learning platform created by tutors, for students.

Our team of specialist tutors offer 1-to-1 private tuition, group tuitions and crash
courses.

Follow us on IG and join our Telegram channel to get the latest updates on
our free online revision sessions, webinars and giveaways!

If you would want to join Kaiwen’s group tuition, contact him at:
Whatsapp: 9721 6433
Telegram: @ongkw28
Website: https://www.overmugged.com/kai-wen

For more free notes & learning materials, visit: www.overmugged.com

Ong Kai Wen
O' Levels E-Math & A-Math
 OVERMUGGED's Curated
Notes

Lower Sec 'A' Levels

$30 $40

Found the free notes useful? We got something better!

OVERMUGGED's curated notes is a highly condensed booklet that covers all

content within the MOE syllabus.

This booklet consist of key concept breakdowns, worked examples and exam tips/
techniques to required to ace your exams.

Get an upgraded version of the free notes and supercharge your revision!

Purchase here.
'O' Levels
$40/$50
Crash
courses
Check out our upcoming crash courses at:
https://www.overmugged.com/crashcourses

'O' Levels subject available:

- Pure Chemistry
- Pure Physics
- Pure Biology
- Combined Science
- E-Math
- A-Math
- English
- History
- Geography
- Combined Humanities
- Principles of Accounts (POA)