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| 13 Theory slides |
| 10 Exercises - Grade E - A |
| Each lesson is meant to take 1-2 classroom sessions |
Here are a few recommended readings before getting started with this lesson.
The parabolas are shown in the graph below if there is a problem loading the applet.
When given a function, it is not always possible to use any value as an input. Sometimes the input will not make sense in the given context of the function. It could also be that the function is not defined for such value.
The domain of a function is the set of all x-values, called inputs, for which the function is defined. As an example, consider the following functions. f(x) & = 3x [0.2cm] g(x) & = sqrt(x) [0.3em] h(x) & = 1/x Their domains can be written by analyzing the definition of each function.
Function | Analysis | Domain |
---|---|---|
f(x) = 3x | Multiplying by 3 is defined for all real numbers. | All real numbers |
g(x) = sqrt(x) | Square roots are not defined for negative numbers. | All non-negative numbers — that is, x≥ 0 |
h(x) = 1/x | Dividing by zero is undefined. | All real numbers except 0 — that is, x≠ 0 |
Given a function and its domain it is possible to study the set of all possible outputs.
The range of a function is the set of all y-values, called outputs, of the function. The range depends on both the domain and the function itself. For example, consider the following functions and their defined domains.
Function | Domain |
---|---|
f(x)=2x | All integers |
g(x)=x^2 | All real numbers |
h(x)=4 | All real numbers |
The ranges of each function can be determined by analyzing the definition of each function along with the given domains.
Function | Domain | Analysis | Range |
---|---|---|---|
f(x) = 2x | All integers | The function takes any integer input and produces an output that is an even number, as each input is multiplied by 2. | All even numbers |
g(x) = x^2 | All real numbers | The function takes any real number input and produces an output that is a non-negative number, as each input is squared. | All non-negative numbers. That is, y≥ 0 |
h(x) = 4 | All real numbers | The function takes any real number input and sends it to 4. | Only the number 4. That is, the range is {4} |
One of the characteristics of the graph of a quadratic function — a parabola — is the vertex.
Knowing the vertex of a parabola is very helpful when looking for the range of a quadratic function. Consider the following quadratic function given in vertex form. It is assumed that this function is defined for all real numbers. y=a(x-h)^2+k The coordinates of the vertex are given by (h,k). Consider the case when a>0, meaning that the parabola opens upward. In this case k is the absolute minimum of the function, so the range will start from k and extend towards positive infinity. [k,∞) Likewise, if a<0 the parabola opens downward, meaning that k is the absolute maximum of the function, so the range will come up from negative infinity up to k. (-∞ , k]
a-value | Range |
---|---|
a>0 | [k,∞) |
a<0 | (-∞,k] |
A=l w
In order to write it in terms of l, then w needs to be expressed in terms of l. That means to find a method to substitute w for l. Since they want to build a rectangular fence, writing in terms of l can be done by using the formula for the perimeter of a rectangle.P= 60
LHS-2l=RHS-2l
.LHS /2.=.RHS /2.
Write as a difference of fractions
Calculate quotient
Rearrange equation
l>0 Furthermore, since there is only 60 feet of wiring, the length of each side must be less than 60. Additionally, the perimeter of a rectangle includes twice its length, so that means 2l is less than 60. 2l<60 ⇓ l<30 This is a strict inequality because having a length of exactly 30 feet would imply that the width is 0, meaning there would be no fenced area! Knowing this, the domain of the function can be written in interval notation.
Domain: (0,30)Commutative Property of Addition
Factor out -1
a = a+ 15^2- 15^2
a^2-2ab+b^2=(a-b)^2
Distribute -1
Calculate power
Since the function describes the area of the fenced region, it has to be positive. A>0 This is enough information to write the function's range in interval notation.
Range: (0,225]Since the vertex is at (15,225), the maximum area of the fence is 225, and this area is obtained by making a fence 15 feet long. It is not a coincidence that this is a square fence! Not every seedling can be protected from the deer, but Dominka and Emily did great.
It has been stated previously that the vertex of a parabola is either the absolute maximum or absolute minimum of the corresponding quadratic function. There is also an important characteristic of the quadratic function's graph that changes at this point.
A function is said to be increasing when, as the x-values increase, the values of f(x) also increase. On the other hand, the function is considered decreasing when, as x increases, f(x) decreases. An increasing interval is an interval of the independent variable where the function is increasing. A decreasing interval is an interval of the independent variable when the function is decreasing.
From left side to x=- 2 & → && Increasing From x=- 2 to x=0 & → && Decreasing From x=0 to right side & → && Increasing
Although the entire graph cannot be seen, it is reasonable to assume that it continues in the same manner. In that case, for all x-values less than x=- 2, f will be increasing. For all x-values greater than x=0, f will also be increasing.
Increasing Intervals: - ∞ &< x < - 2 [0.8em] 0 &< x < ∞ [0.8em]
Decreasing Interval: - 2 &< x < 0
The point where a function switches between decreasing and increasing is known as a turning point.
The two of them look around for the answer. They find a signboard that explains that the cart uses software that controls the lights. By knowing the function and stating the increasing and decreasing intervals, the lights can switch accordingly. The signboard shows the blueprints.
The function that describes the parabolic section of the roller coaster is given in vertex form. f(x)=-(x- 2)^2+ 4 The vertex is at ( 2, 4). Since the parabola opens downward, this point is an absolute maximum.
It is also given that the domain of this function is [0,4]. This means that the function increases starting from x=0 until it reaches its maximum at x= 2, which is not included in the increasing interval. [0,2) From there, the function decreases until it reaches its end at x=4. As a reminder, the maximum at x=2 is not included in the decreasing interval. (2,4]
A quadratic function might cross the x- and y-axes. These points are known as intercepts.
The x-intercept of a line is the x-coordinate of the point where the line crosses the x-axis. The y-intercept of a line is the y-coordinate of the point where the line crosses the y-axis. The y-intercept of an equation is also known as its initial value.
Dominika and Emily, enjoying the theme park, want to try Shoot 'N' Hoop. If they make their one shot attempt, they will win a teddy bear. As the ball goes up, Dominika imagines her shot being modeled by a quadratic function.
The function representing Dominika's shot is graphed on the following coordinate plane. Take note that the drawn path of the ball in the air in the applet versus when mapped on the graph looks slightly different.
The height of the ball is represented by y, and time the ball is in the air after Dominika shoots the ball is x. The worker hosting the game tells Dominika and Emily that if they can answer the following math questions correctly, he will give them a second teddy bear.
Substitute values
Calculate power
- a(- b)=a* b
Multiply
Add terms
Put minus sign in numerator
Distribute -1
Calculate root
Parts of the graph of a quadratic function can be either above or below the x-axis. The intervals of x-values where this happens receive a special name.
A function is said to be positive where its graph is above the x-axis and is said to be negative where its graph is below the x-axis.
A positive interval is an interval for which the function is positive. Likewise, a negative interval is an interval for which the function is negative. The graph above shows two negative intervals and two positive intervals. Each interval is described in terms of the x-values. From left side to x=- 2 & → && negative From x=- 2 to x=0 & → && positive From x=0 to x=2 & → && negative From x=2 to right side & → && positive Although the entire graph cannot be shown, it is reasonable to assume that it continues in the same manner. Thus, for all x-values less than x=- 2, f will be negative. Likewise, for all x-values greater than x=2, f will be positive. A point where the function is equal to zero is neither included in a positive nor a negative interval.
Positive Intervals: -2 &< x < 0 [0.8em] 2 &< x < ∞ [0.8em] Negative Intervals: - ∞ &< x < -2 [0.8em] 0 &< x < 2Emily and Dominika are relaxing on a bench at the theme park. Next to them, a bluebird appears in a bird bath! The bath seems to be a bit low on water, however. They look up the blueprints of similar birdbaths online and find a cross section of one that includes its quadratic function.
Positive Intervals: [0,0.5) and (5.5,6]
Negative Interval: (0.5,5.5)
The positive and negative intervals do not include the points where the function is equal to zero.
The domain of the function describing the cross section of the birdbath consists of the numbers between 0 and 6. [0,6] Note that the function graph is above the x-axis between x=0 and x=0.5, meaning that it is positive in this interval. Since the positive and negative intervals do not include the points where the function equals zero, x=0.5 is not included in this interval. [0,0.5) The function then goes below the x-axis between x=0.5 and x=5.5, meaning that it is negative in this interval. (0.5,5.5) In the last bit of the birdbath the function graph goes above the x-axis once again, meaning that the function is positive here. (5.5,6] The intervals can now be summarized. Positive Intervals: & [0,0.5) [0.8em] & (5.5,6] [0.8em] Negative Interval: & (0.5,5.5) Dominika and Emily can explain the meaning of this information to the park employees to make sure the birdbath has enough water.
In general, the domain of quadratic functions consists of all real numbers. Investigating what happens to the function as the x-values increase or decrease infinitely is valuable in better understanding quadratic functions.
The end behavior of a function is the value to which f(x) tends as x extends to the left or the right infinitely. If f(x) keeps increasing without bound, it is said to tend to positive infinity. The end behavior of this case is stated as up.
f(x) → + ∞
Conversely, if f(x) keeps decreasing without bound, it is said to tend to negative infinity. In this case, the end behavior is stated as down.
f(x) → - ∞
For example, consider the graph of a function g(x).
From the arrows on the graph, it can be seen that the left end of the graph extends downward, while the right end extends upward. The end behavior of g can then be expressed as follows. ll As x → - ∞, & g(x) → - ∞ As x → + ∞, & g(x) → + ∞
To state the end behavior of a function in words, begin by stating the left-end behavior, then state the right-end behavior. A dash can also be used to separate the words. For instance, the end behavior of the graph of g(x) can be written asdown and upor as
down-up.
Since quadratic functions are polynomial functions of degree 2 their end behavior is either up and up or down and down, all depending on the sign of the leading coefficient.
Given any quadratic function, all of its key features can be found using the tools provided in this lesson. Consider the following function. f(x)=x^2-6x+5 The graph of the function is shown below.
Rewrite 6x as 2*3x
a = a+ 3^2- 3^2
a^2-2ab+b^2=(a-b)^2
Calculate power
Subtract term
Negative Interval: (1,5) The graph is above the x-axis for x-values less than 1 and greater than 5. Once again, these values are not included in the positive intervals. Positive Intervals: (- ∞,1)and(5,∞) The graph is divided into a negative interval and two positive intervals.
Consider the following graph of a quadratic function.
We can begin by making the observation that there is no restriction on the given quadratic function. y=x^2-3 Since every operation needed to evaluate this function — square and subtraction — is defined for all real numbers, its domain is all real numbers. Domain: All real numbers
Let's take another look at the given graph. Which direction does the parabola open, and what is its maximum or minimum value?
Observing the graph, we see that it opens upwards and has a minimum value at y=-3. From this minimum value the other values continue to increase in either direction. We have enough information to write the range of the function. Range: [-3,∞)
The given function is in standard form. In order to identify the coordinates of the vertex, we will write the function in vertex form. Let's start by recalling the general vertex form of a parabola. f(x)=a(x- h)^2+ k In this form, the point ( h, k) represents the vertex of the parabola. With this in mind, we will rewrite the given function by completing the square. Let's first factor the middle term. f(x)=x^2+6x+8 ⇕ f(x)=x^2+2* x * 3 + 8 We will now add 3^2= 9 to the right hand side of the equation and then subtract 9 from the same side to have 0 in total. f(x)=x^2+2 * x * 3 +8 + 9 - 9 Finally, we can rearrange the equation to have a perfect square trinomial in it.
Great! Finally, we will rearrange the signs of the terms. f(x)=(x+3)^2-1 [0.5em] ⇓ [0.5em] f(x)=(x-( -3))^2+( -1) We can now identify the coordinates of the vertex. Having h= -3 and h= -1, we can conclude that the vertex is at ( -3, -1).
Consider the following function.
We are already given the function in its vertex form. f(x)=-(x- 2)+ 1 The vertex is at ( 2, 1). Since the parabola opens downward, this is an absolute maximum.
This function is defined only in the interval from x=0 to x=4. The graph is increasing from x=0 until it reaches the maximum value at x=2, which is not included in the increasing interval. We state this using a non-strict inequality to include x=0 and a strict inequality to exclude x=2. 0≤ x <2
We now notice that the function decreases from its maximum at x=2 until it reaches its end at x=4. As in Part A, we do not include the point at which the function reaches its maximum into the decreasing interval.
2
Consider the following function.
To find the x-intercepts of the function we begin by setting it equal to 0. x^2-x-2=0 The resulting expression is a quadratic equation which can be used by any method of choice. Let's solve it by factoring!
We are asked to find the x-intercept with the lesser value. Let's label these solutions as x_2 and x_1, respectively. lx_1=-1 x_2=2 Therefore, the x-intercept with the lesser value is -1.
The y-intercept of the function can be found by evaluating it at x=0. Let's do it!
The y-intercept of the function is -2. We can also find the y-intercept by noticing that the function is given in standard form. This way, we identify the constant term of the function. f(x)=x^2-x+( -2)
Consider the following function.
Its x-intercepts are at x=1 and x=3.
We begin by noticing that the graph does not extend over all the coordinate plane. By taking a closer look, we find that the domain of the given function consists of the numbers between 0 and 3. 0≤ x ≤ 3 We can note that the graph is below the x-axis between x=0 and x=1, meaning that it is negative in this interval.
Since the positive and negative intervals do not include the points where the function equals zero, x=1 is not included in this interval. We state this by using a strict inequality to exclude x=1. 0≤ x <1
The graph is above the x-axis between x=1 and x=3, meaning that it is positive in this interval.
Once again, we exclude the points where the function equals zero, so x=1 and x=3 are not included in this interval.
1
Consider the following graph.
It can be noted by taking a look at the graph that as x extends to the left or to the right infinitely the function decreases in either case.
Therefore, its end behavior is down and down.