ISC Mathematics

Project

Student’s Name: Prakhar Dixit

Class: 11-A
Session: 2024-2025
Date: 5th June 2024
Roll Number: 10
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I would like to express my special thanks of gratitude to my Mathematics Teacher,

‘Mr. Pawan Mittal’ as well as our dignified school Principal ‘Mr. Sanjay Sachdeva’ who gave
me the golden opportunity to do this project on the topic –

‘Graph of Quadratic Equation f(x) = ax2 + bx + c, Maximum and Minimum values of the
Function. Determining the Sign of the Expression’

Which also helped me in doing a lot of research, develop critical thinking skills and exploring so
many new things. I am really thankful to them. I would also like to thank my parents and friends
who helped me in finalizing the project within the limited time frame and motivated me to work
hard and efficiently.
 INDEX
1. Statement of Task
2. Deriving the Quadratic Equation
3. Significance of Coefficients
4. Graphical representation of Quadratic curve
a. For coefficient of x2 – ‘a’
b. For coefficient of x – ‘b’
c. For constant value – ‘c’
d. For Determinant – ‘D’
5. Sign of a Quadratic Polynomial
6. Maximum and Minimum Value of f(x)
7. Graphs for ymin and ymax
8. Conclusion
9. Bibliography
 STATEMENT OF TASK

Draw the function of the quadratic equation ‘f(x) = ax2 + bx + c’. From the graph, find
maximum/minimum value of the function. Also determine the sign of the expression

Chapter Name – Quadratic Equation and Inequations

 CONTENT
The Quadratic equation is one of the most used equations in mathematics as far as the
perspective of an 11th grader is considered. The all known ax2 + bx + c formula is something
taught at an early stage in our high school education. However important this equation may be,
the derivation is little known to most students of such a grade. So firstly, we will delve into how
−b ± √ b 2−4 ac
this formula originated.
2a

Originally, we have an equation, f(x) = ax2 + bx + c, where f(x) = 0.

Now dividing the whole equation by a we get,

2 bx c
x+ + =0
a a

Transposing the constant we get,

2 bx −c
x+ =
a a

Now by using the method of completing a square,

( ) ( )
2 2
2 bx b −c b
x+ + = +
a 2a a 2a

Using the identity of (a + b)2 = a2 + 2ab + b2

( )
2 2
b −c b
x+ = +
2a a 4 a2

( x+
b
2a )
=±
4a√
b2−4 ac
2

Converting to Compact form,

b ± √ b2−4 ac
x+ =
2a 2a

−b ± √ b2−4 ac
x=
2a
Thus, we get such an equation.

SIGNFICANCE OF COEFFICIENTS
The quadratic function f(x) is defined as ax2 + bx + c = 0, under this topic we will discuss the
significance of the coefficients a, b and c on a graph.

The first coefficient is that of x2 and it defines the orientation of the parabolic curve. This means
that if ‘a’ is positive the curve will open upwards but if the coefficient of x2 is negative the
parabola of the graph will open downwards.

Similarly with the coefficient of x – ‘b’. If b is positive the point of the parabola at which the
angle between the tangent to the curve and x-axis is zero degrees will lie in the Ist or IVth
Quadrant on the graph. If the tangent to the curve making an angle of zero degrees lies in IInd or
IIIrd quadrant then the value of b is less than zero.

The constant number c having exponent of x0 performs the same function as that in y=mx+c
formula.
It determines the y-intercept of the graph. Hence, if c is greater than zero, the y-intercept lies
between the Ist and IInd quadrant on the graph and if the constant c is negative the y-intercept
lies between the IIIrd and IVth Quadrant on the graph.

We will also discuss the significance of the determinant in this case. The Determinant (D) is
described as the value √2 b2−4 ac . It is useful since it allows us to identify the nature of the roots
in terms of whether they are real or complex and also determines the number of roots of the
equation.

When the value of D is > 0 the parabola intersects with the x-axis at 2 points signifying that the
equation has 2 real roots. On the other hand, when the value of D is < 0 the graph does not
intersect with the x-axis at any point and signifies that the equation has no real roots. When the
value of D = 0. The curve only touches the x-axis at one point signifying that the graph has only
1 root i.e. - real and equal roots. This point in contact with the x-axis at D = 0 also forms an
angle of 0 degree between its tangent and the x-axis
GRAPHICAL REPRESENTATION
OF QUADRATIC CURVE

For coefficient of x2

Since a is greater than zero here, the graph

opens upwards

Since a is lesser than zero here, the graph opens

downwards

For Coefficient of x

Since b is greater than zero here, the graph

tangent point lies on the positive side of the x-
axis

Since b is lesser than zero here, the graph

tangent point lies on the negative side of the
x-axis
For constant value – ‘c’

Since c is greater than 0, the y-intercept lies

between Ist and IInd Quadrant

Since c is lesser than 0, the y-intercept lies

between IIIrd and IVth Quadrant

For Discriminant – ‘D’

Since D > 0, the parabola intersects the graph at

two points

Since D = 0, the parabola intersects the graph at

only one point
 Since D < 0, the parabola intersects the graph at
no point and the roots are not real

SIGN OF A QUADRATIC
POLYNOMIAL

For a > 0, D < 0:

Parabola opens upwards

Parabola doesn’t not intersect with x-axis

f ( x ) is+ve ∀ x ∈ R

For a < 0, D < 0:

Parabola opens downwards

Parabola does not intersect with x-axis

f ( x ) is−ve ∀ x ∈ R
For a > 0, D > 0:

Parabola opens upwards

Parabola intersects with x-axis at 2 points

f ( x ) ≥ 0 ∀ x ∈ (−∞ , α ] ∪ [ β , ∞ )

f ( x ) <0 ∀ x ∈(α , β)

For a < 0, D > 0,

Parabola opens downwards

Parabola intersects with x-axis at 2 points

f ( x ) >0 ∀ x ∈(α , β)

f ( x ) ≤ 0 ∀ x ∈ (−∞ , α ] ∪ [ β , ∞ )

For a > 0, D = 0:

Parabola opens upwards

Parabola intersects with x-axis at only 1 point

f (x)≥0∀ x ∈R

For a < 0, D = 0:

Parabola opens downwards

Parabola intersects with x-axis at only 1 point

f (x)≤0∀ x∈ R
MAXIMUM AND MINIMUM VALUE
OF f(x)

To Determine the maximum and minimum value of a quadratic equation on a graph we will
assign some signs to particularly useful points.

As we already know, a, b and c are taken as coefficients of x2, x and x0, respectively and D is the
discriminant of the equation. We will also assume a point V on the graph known as the Vertex.

It is the point at which the slope of the graph forms an angle of 0⁰ with the horizontal.
−b −D
the coordinates of V are determined as V ≡ , .
2a 4 a

The parabolic graph of a quadratic polynomial is symmetrical about the axis of symmetry.

 f(x) has minimum value at vertex V if a > 0 and,

−D −b
f min ( x )= at x =
4a 2a

 f(x) has maximum value at vertex V if a < 0 and,

−D −b
f max ( x )= at x =
4a 2a

Note: the graph of any quadratic equation can be plotted by following the above-mentioned
steps

1. The shape of the curve y = f(x) is parabolic

2. Identifying the y-intercept of the graph
3. Determining whether graph lies on +ve x-axis or -ve x-axis
4. For a > 0 the graph opens upwards and,
For a < 0 the graph opens downwards
5. The interaction of D with x-axis determines the number of roots of the equation
6. Determining the minimum or maximum value of the graph
Graphs for ymin and ymax

For ymin, a > 0, ymax for this is ∞ (not defined)

For ymax a < 0, ymin for this is -∞ (not defined)

 Conclusion
This topic has helped in understanding the concepts of quadratic equations in a more
detailed manner. While we have learned the tip of the iceberg about this topic in previous
grades. This research helped me understand the topic in a much more detailed manner.
I Learnt how to visualize quadratic equations on a graph and had an in depth learning on
how to make an exact graph of a quadratic equations.
This topic not only helped me with graphing but also helped me understanding other
topics like parabolas and curves proving to be an all in all successful research.
I would like to once again thank my Mathematics Teacher ‘Mr. Pawan Mittal’ for
providing me with this opportunity and granting me the permission to work on this topic.
This has not only helped me in understanding more about the topic but also will help
score better in tests in the future.
 BIBLIOGRAPHY
1. ISC Grade – 11 ML Agarwal
2. Wikipedia
3. Britannica
4. Byju’s
5. Modules and Textbooks
6. Cuemath
7. Khan Academy
8. Math is fun