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What is the equation of the quadratic function with roots -3 and 1 and a vertex a (-1, -8)?

User LeeJB
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1 Answer

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Start with the equation of a vertical parabola: y-k = a(x-h)^2. We are told that the coordinates of the vertex are -1 and -8. Substituting these into the above equation,

y-[-8] = a(x-[-1]), or y+8 = a(x+1)^2. The coefficient a is undetermined here. How do we find it?

At any root, y=0, as a "root" is a point at which the graph crosses the x-axis.

Thus, if we choose to work with the given root 1, the associated point is (1,0). Substitute these coordinates into the above equation y+8 = a(x+1)^2.

We get 0+8 = a(1+1)^2, or 8 = a(2)^2, or 8 = 4a, or a = 2.

Substituting this value for a into the above equation,

y+8 = 2(x+1)^2.

You should check this result by determining whether the other root (-3,0) satisfies this equation. If yes, then you'll know for certain that this equation correctly describes the parabola in question.
User Marguerita
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