SECTION

8.5: USING
INTERCEPT FORM

GRAPHING
F(X)=A(X-P)(X-Q)

graphing
f(x)=a(x-p)(x-q)
h(x)=-4(x-7)(x-3)

Before we start
Make sure you understand what the problem wants you to nd.

Make sure you recognize if the numbers in the problem are positive or negative.
Make sure you understand f(x) or in this case h(x) is the same thing as y.

Graph the quadratic function.

Label the vertex, axis of symmetry, and x-intercepts.
Describe the domain and range of the function.
h(x)=-4(x-7)(x-3)
If the numbers were
negative the equation
would be f(x)= a(x+p)(x+q).

These numbers are positive

because the intercept form
equation is f(x)= a(x-p)(x-q).

Step One: Finding the x intercepts

The x- intercepts are also called p and q.
p= 7

q= 3
Plot the points on your graph.

graphing
f(x)=a(x-p)(x-q)
h(x)=-4(x-7)(x-3)

Step Two: Find the Axis of Symmetry

graphing
f(x)=a(x-p)(x-q)
h(x)=-4(x-7)(x-3)

To gure out the vertex you must gure out the axis of symmetry because the

vertex lies on it.

Use the equation to nd the axis of symmetry is x=p+q/2.

Plug in the parts you know (p(7) and q(3)); x=7+3/2.
Solve for x.
x=7+3/2

x=10/2
x=5
Plot on graph with a dotted line.

Step Three: Find Vertex

graphing
f(x)=a(x-p)(x-q)
h(x)=-4(x-7)(x-3)

We know the vertex lies on the axis of symmetry, so to nd the vertex you simply

have to plug in 5 for x.

h(x)= -4(5-7)(5-3)
h(x)= -4(-2)(2)
h(x)= -4(-4)
h(x)= 16
So the vertex is (5,16)

graphing
f(x)=a(x-p)(x-q)
h(x)=-4(x-7)(x-3)

Step Four: Plotting more points

To do this you must make a table of values.

12

16

12

Then just plot the points!

Step Five: Answering the Questions

Now just connect the dots!
vertex: (5,16)
Axis of Symmetry: x=5
x-intercepts: p=3; q=7
Domain: all real numbers
Range: y16

Graph the quadratic function.

Label the vertex, axis of symmetry,
and x-intercepts.
Describe the domain and range of
the function.

graphing
f(x)=a(x-p)(x-q)
h(x)=-4(x-7)(x-3)

FINDING ZEROS OF A
FUNCTION

Before we start

Finding zeros of a
function

The zeros are also the x- intercepts.

If you get an equation like f(x)=ax+bx+c you must factor to f(x)=a(x-p)(x-q).
f(x) is the same thing a y.

Part One
Substitute 0 for f(x).
Set each parenthesis equal to 0.

Finding zeros of a
function
f(x)=1/3(x+5)(x-1)

f(x)=1/3(x+5)(x-1)
0=1/3(x+5)(x-1)
0=1/3 0=x+5 0=x-1
no -5 +1
solution x=-5 x=1

Part Two: Step One: Factoring

Finding zeros of a
function
y=x3-x2-9x+9

Find a greatest common factor and if you cant then multiply a*c. Then nd

factors of a*c that add up to b.

Group x and x and -9x and 9 together.

Factor out x and -9.
Group x and -9 together
Realize that x and 9 are both squared and factor it.

y=x3-x2-9x+9
y=(x-x)(-9x+9)
y=x(x-1)-9(x-1)
y=(x-9)(x-1)
y=(x+3)(x-3)(x-1)

Step Two: Setting each to 0

Now you just set each parenthesis equal to 0.

y=(x+3)(x-3)(x-1)
o=x+3 0=x-3 0=x-1
-3 +3 +1
x=-3 x=3 x=1

Finding zeros of a
function
y=x3-x2-9x+9

WRITING QUADRATIC
FUNCTIONS

Step One: Which Equation?

Writing quadratic
functions

Now this is a good question. There are many possible dierent equations but in

this chapter we have learned about three specic ones; intercept form, standard
form, and vertex form.

It depends on what your looking for

If your working with a vertex then obviously vertex form.
If your working with intercepts then intercept form.
If your working with points that the parabola passes through it all just depends.

Writing quadratic
functions

Part One: Vertex

Plug in the points that you are given.
Foil (x-4).
Combine like terms.

vertex: (4,8)

vertex: (4,8)
f(x)=a(x-h)+k
f(x)=1(x-4)+8
f(x)=(x-4)(x-4)+8
f(x)=x-8x+16+8
f(x)=x-8x+24

Part Two: Passes through

In this equation you would you use intercept form.
Plug in the points you already know.
Plug in the point (-4,3) to gure out a.
Solve for a.

Writing quadratic
functions
vertex: (4,8)

Passes through (-5,0),

(-1,0), and (-4,3)
y=a(x-p)(x-q)
y=a(x+5)(x+1)
3=a(-4+5)(-4+1)
3=a(-3)
a=-1
y=-(x+5)(x+1)