Quadratic Functions and Equations in One Variable

Quadratic Functions and Equations

Definition

A quadratic expression in one variable is an algebraic expression that has the highest power variable is two.

The basic form of a quadratic expression is ax2 + bx + c, which is a, b and c is a constant and a =
 0, x is a variable.
​

2
a is the coefficient of x , b is the coefficient of x and c is a constant

Examples

x2 + 5x − 1

−y 2 + 3y

2m2 + 7

Tips

Besides x, other letters can be used to represents variables

Relationship between a quadratic function and many-to-one relation

Quadratic function, f (x) = ax2 + bx + c

All quadratic functions have the same image for two different images

Many-to-one relation

Have two shapes of graph

Shapes of the graph, f (x) = ax2 + bx + c, a =

0​

For the graph a < 0, (x1 , y1 ) is known as maximum point

​ ​

For the graph a > 0 (x y ) is known as minimum point

 For the graph a > 0, (x2 , y2 ) is known as minimum point

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​

Tips

The curved shape of the graph of a quadratic function is called a parabola

Axis of symmetry of the graph of a quadratic function

Explanation

Definition: A straight line that is parallel to the y−axis and divides the graph into two parts of the same size and shape

The axis of symmetry will pass through the maximum and minimum point of the graph of the function as shown in the diagram below

b
Equation axis of symmetry , x =−
2a
​

Effects of changing the values of a, b, and c on graphs of quadratic functions, f (x) = ax2 + bx + c

The value of a determines the shape of the graph

The value of b determines the position of the axis of symmetry

The value of c determines the position of the y−intercept

Forming a quadratic equation based on a situation

A quadratic function is written in the form of f (x) = ax2 + bx + c while a quadratic equation is written in the general form ax2 + bx +
c=0

Roots of a quadratic equation

The root of a quadratic equation ax2 + bx + c = 0 are the values of the variables, x which satisfy the equation.

Relationship between the roots of a quadratic equation and the positions of the roots.

The roots of equation ax2 + bx + c = 0 are the points of intersection of the graph of the quadratic functions f (x) = ax2 + bx + c and the x−
axis which are also knowns as the x−intercepts.

Determine the roots of a quadratic equation by using factorisation method

Tips

A quadratic equation needs to be written in the form of ax2 + bx + c = 0 before we carry out factorisation

Example

Determine the roots of this quadratic equations by using factorisation method x2 − 5x + 6 = 0.

Solution:

x2 − 5x + 6 = 0

(x − 3)(x − 2) = 0
​ ​

x = 3 or x = 2.

Determine the roots of a quadratic equation by using graphical method

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The roots of a quadratic equation ax2 + bx + c = 0 can be obtained by using a graphical method by reading the values of x which are
the points of intersections of the graph