Understanding the Quadratic Function in Vertex Form

Question: How can we transform the quadratic parent function to fit real world problems?

1) Describe the Background Theory

Based on the investigations you have made in class using GeoGebra and your graphing
calculator, use graphs, words and equations to describe the effect of the following
transformations on the quadratic parent function
• 𝑦 = 𝑎𝑥 2 See page 161
• 𝑦 =𝑥 +𝑘 2
See page 171
• 𝑦 = (𝑥 − ℎ) 2
See page 174
Tips: Video, Example
2) Apply the Theory
1
Describe the transformation of 𝑦 = − 2 (𝑥 − 7)2 − 4 compared with the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑥 2
Make three of your own quadratic functions in vertex form and describe the transformations
compared with the quadratic parent function 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 . Give a value for 𝑎, ℎ and 𝑘 in the function
𝑦 = 𝑎(𝑥 − ℎ)2 + 𝑘 then explain
• What is the absolute value of 𝑎? What does that mean?
• Is 𝑎 positive or negative? What does that mean?
• What is the value of ℎ? What does that mean?
• What is the value of 𝑘? What does that mean?
Tips: Video, Example
3) Real world Problem Tips: Video
Show how you would find a function to model the following real world situation.
A rock is knocked off a cliff into the water far below. The falling rock’s height above the water
(in feet) is given by a function of the form 𝑓(𝑡) = 𝑎(𝑡 − ℎ)2 + 𝑘 where 𝑡 is the time (in
seconds) after the rock begin to fall. Use the graph to find an equation for 𝑓(𝑡) See page 184

Fig 1 : Graph of a falling rock showing height vs time Fig 2: Picture of the cliff from where the rock fell
Understanding the Quadratic Function in Vertex Form

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