NPS International School

Investigation – Quadratic Graphs

1. (a) Using a graphing software, on the same set of axes, draw the curves with
equation y=x 2 +bx +1, using different values of b=−4 ,−2 , 0 , 2∧4, labelling the axial
intercepts and minimum point. [1]

(b) What do you notice about these curves? [1]

All the curves meet at the same point (0,1) so they also all have the same y
intercept. As seen in the picture above the curves make a symmetrical image
where the line of symmetry is the y axis. All the curves except for b=0 intercept
the x axis. When b=0 the line does not have a x intercept meaning it has no real
roots. The curves b=2 and -2 touch the x axis on one pint only meaning they
have one real root. The curves b=4 and -4 intercept the x axis at two points
meaning they have two real roots.

(c) On the same set of axes draw the curve with equation y=1−x 2. [1]

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(d) Describe how this curve relates to those that you have drawn previously. [1]

It is a parabola just like the others but it opens downward. This curve intersects
the rest of the curves at their minimum points. It also has the same vertex as the
curve where b=0. It has two real roots just like the curves x^2+4x+1 and x^2-
4x+1.

2. Determine the coordinates of the axial intercepts and minimum point on each of
the above curves by algebraic method and compare your findings with reference to
the values of b. [2]
3. (a) Repeat this investigation using the graphing software with the equation
y=a x +bx +c choosing the values of the parameters a , b∧c , from
2

−4 ,−2 , 2∧4 stating the minimum/maximum and axial intercepts in terms of the

parameters, for any 4 equations. [2]

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2x^2+4x+4
4x^2-4x-4

-2x^2-2x+2
-4x^2+2x-2

A- Max point: (0.25,-1.75) no x intercept

Y intercept: (0,-2)
B- Min point: (-1,2) no x intercept
Y intercept: (0,4)
C- Max point: (-0.5,2.5)
X int: (0.25,-1.75)(-1.618,0)
Y int: (0,2)
D- Min point: (0.5,-5)
X intercept: (-0.618,0)(1.618,0)
Y intercept: (0,-4)
(b) Discuss the transformations undergone by the graph as the values of the
parameters a, b and c vary.
The variable a makes the graph contract and expand. As the value of a gets closer
to 0 the graph expands and when it goes further away from 0 it contracts. The
variable b shifts the graph. When you decrease the value, it shifts to the right and
downwards and when you increase the value it shifts to the left and downwards.
The variable c shifts the graph as well but upwards and downwards only. When

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you increase the value of c it moves upwards and when you decrease the value it
moves downwards.

[2]

***** THE END *****

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