Parabola Solutions
Parabola Solutions
Parabola Solutions
a sum of 2.5. Alternately, you can divide the original or -3 and so b = -2(3) = -6 or -2(-3) = 6. Since b must
equation by 2: be positive, b = 6.
0 = x2 - 2.5x - 12
and recall that any quadratic in the form x2 + bx + c = 0 15. 73.6 The y-intercept is simply the value of the
must have zeros that have a sum of -b and a product of c. function when x = 0: y = 5(0 - 3.2)(0 - 4.6) = 73.6.
Therefore, without having to calculate the zeros, we can
see that they have a sum of -(-2.5) = 2.5. 16. 3.9 The x-coordinate of the vertex is simply the
average of the zeros: (3.2 + 4.6)/2 = 3.9.
8. 2.4 We know that one of the zeros is x = -5, and
we want to find the other, x = b. We can use the Factor 17. 7 (2x - 1)(x + 3) + 2x = 2x2 + kx - 3
Theorem: FOIL:2x2 + 5x - 3 + 2x = 2x2 + kx - 3
x2 - ax - 12 = (x + 5)(x - b) Simplify:2x2 + 7x - 3 = 2x2 + kx - 3
FOIL: x2 - ax - 12 = x2 + (5 - b)x - 5b Subtract 2x2 and add 3: 7x = kx
Since the constant terms must be equal, 12 = 5b and Divide by x:7 = k
therefore, b = 12/5 = 2.4.
18. 14 b2 + 20b = 96 21. D This one is tough. Since this question allows a
Subtract 96: b + 20b - 96 = 0
2 calculator, you could solve this by graphing or with the
Factor:(b - 4)(b + 24) = 0 Quadratic Formula. Remember that a quadratic equa-
Therefore, b = 4 or -24, but if b > 0, then b must tion has no real solution if b2 - 4ac < 0. The only choice
equal 4, and therefore, b + 10 = 14. Alternately, you for which b2 - 4ac is negative is (D). Alternately, if you
might notice that adding 100 to both sides of the original graph the left side of each equation as a function in the
equation gives a “perfect square trinomial” on the left xy-plane (which I only advise if you have a good graph-
side:b2 + 20b + 100 = 196 ing calculator), you will see that the function in (D) never
Factor:(b + 10)2 = 196 crosses the x-axis, implying that it cannot equal 0.
Take square root: b + 10 = ±14
If b > 0: b + 10 = 14 22. A This quadratic has zeros at x = -6 and
x = -8, so its axis of symmetry is at the midpoint of
19. C Since the vertex of the parabola is at (3, 7), the zeros, at x = -7.
the axis of symmetry is x = 3. Since x = -1 is 4 units
to the left of this axis, and x = 7 is 4 units to the right 23. C If the vertex of the parabola is at (6, -1), its
of this axis, f(-1) must equal f(7). axis of symmetry must be x = 6. The y-intercept of the
function is f(0), which is the value of y when x = 0. Since
20. D y = -2(x - 1)(x - 5) has x-intercepts at x = 1 this point is 6 units to the left of the axis of symmetry,
and x = 5 and a y-intercept of y = -10. (Notice that the its reflection over the axis of symmetry is 6 units to the
function in (C) has only one positive x-intercept at x = 5.) rights of the axis, at f(12).