2.

4 Modeling with Quadratic Functions GO DIGITAL

Learning Target Write equations of quadratic functions using given characteristics.

Success Criteria • I can write equations of quadratic functions using vertices, points,
and x-intercepts.
• I can write quadratic equations to model data sets.
• I can use technology to find a quadratic model for a set of data.

EXPLORE IT Modeling with Quadratic Functions

Work with a partner. Comet
a. Explain what the graph represents. D(t)
Math Practice

Distance from Earth

(millions of miles)
Use Other Resources b. What do you know about the value
How can you check your of a? How does the graph change D(t) = at 2 + bt + c
predictions when the if a is increased? decreased? What
values of a, b, or c change does tthis mean in this context?
in the quadratic model? Explain your reasoning.
Expla

c. Write an expression that represents

year t when the comet is closest
the ye t
Earth.
to Ear Years since being
discovered
d. The comet is the same distance away from Earth in 2012 and
d
2020. Estimate the year when the comet is closest to Earth.
Explain your reasoning.

ee. What does c represent in this context? How does the graph change if
c is increased? decreased? Explain.

ff. Assume that the model is still valid today. Is the comet’s distance from
Earth currently increasing, decreasing, or constant? Explain.

gg. The table shows the approximate distances y (in millions of miles)
from Earth for a planetary object m months after being discovered.
Can you use a quadratic function to model the data? How do you
know? Is this the only type of function you can use to model the
data? Explain your reasoning.

Months, m
M 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
D
Distance (millions
50 57 65 75 86 101 115 130 156 175
of miles), y
o

h. Explain
Explaa how you can find a quadratic model for the data. How do you
know
kn w your model is a good fit?

2.4 Modeling with Quadratic Functions 71

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 Writing Quadratic Equations
GO DIGITAL
KEY IDEA
Writing Quadratic Equations
Given a point and the vertex (h, k) Use vertex form:
y = a(x − h)2 + k
Given a point and the x-intercepts p and q Use intercept form:
y = a(x − p)(x − q)
Given three points Write and solve a system of three
equations in three variables.

EXAMPLE 1 Writing an Equation Using the Vertex and a Point

The graph shows the parabolic path of a

Th Human Cannonball
performer who is shot out of a cannon,
pe y
where y is the height (in feet) and x is the
w 40
(50, 35)

Height (feet)
horizontal distance traveled (in feet). The
ho
30
performer lands in a net 90 feet from the
pe
cannon. What is the height of the net?
ca 20

(0,15)
SOLUTION
SO 10

Fr
From the graph, you can see that the 0
0 20 40 60 80 x
vertex (h, k) is (50, 35) and the parabola
ve
Horizontal distance
passes through the point (0, 15). Use the
pa
(feet)
vertex and the point to solve for a in
ve
vertex form. Then write an equation
ve
of the parabola.
y = a(x − h)2 + k Vertex form
15 = a(0 − 50)2 + 35 Substitute for h, k, x, and y.
−20 = 2500a Simplify.
−0.008 = a Divide each side by 2500.
Be
Because a = −0.008, h = 50, and k = 35, the path can be modeled by the equation
y = −0.008(x − 50)2 + 35, where 0 ≤ x ≤ 90.
The world record for the farthest
distance traveled by a human Find the height when x = 90.
cannonball is almost 200 feet, y = −0.008(90 − 50)2 + 35 Substitute 90 for x.
achieved by David Smith Jr.
= −0.008(1600) + 35 Simplify.
= 22.2 Simplify.

So, the height of the net is about 22 feet.

SELF-ASSESSMENT 1 I do not understand. 2 I can do it with help. 3 I can do it on my own. 4 I can teach someone else.

1. WHAT IF? The vertex of the parabola is (50, 37.5). What is the height of the net?
Write an equation of the parabola in vertex form.
2. passes through (1, −7) and has vertex (−2, 5) 3. passes through (0, 8) and has vertex (−10, −3)

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 Writing an Equation Using a
EXAMPLE 2
Point and x-Intercepts GO DIGITAL

Temperature Forecast A meteorologist creates a parabola to predict the temperature tomorrow, where x
iis the number of hours after midnight and y is the temperature (in degrees Celsius).
y
Temperature (ºC)

(0, 9.6) aa. Write a function f that models the temperature over time. What is the coldest
10 temperature?
(4, 0) (24, 0) b. What is the average rate of change in temperature over the interval in which the
b
0
3 9 15 x temperature is decreasing? increasing? Compare the average rates of change.
−10
SOLUTION
S
Hours after midnight aa. The x-intercepts are 4 and 24, and the parabola passes through (0, 9.6). Use the
x-intercepts and the point to solve for a in intercept form.
y = a(x − p)(x − q) Intercept form
9.6 = a(0 − 4)(0 − 24) Substitute for p, q, x, and y.
9.6 = 96a Simplify.
0.1 = a Divide each side by 96.
Because a = 0.1, p = 4, and q = 24, the temperature over time can be modeled
by f (x) = 0.1(x − 4)(x − 24), where 0 ≤ x ≤ 24.
4 + 24
The coldest temperature is the minimum value. Find f (x) when x = — = 14.
2
f (14) = 0.1(14 − 4)(14 − 24) Substitute 14 for x.
= −10 Simplify.
So, the coldest temperature is −10°C at 14 hours after midnight, or 2 p.m.

b. The parabola opens up and the axis of symmetry is x = 14. So, the function is
decreasing over the interval 0 < x < 14 and increasing over the interval
14 < x < 24.
Average rate of change over 0 < x < 14: y
REMEMBER f(14) − f(0) −10 − 9.6 (0, 9.6)
The average rate of — = — = −1.4 10
14 − 0 14
change of a function f (24, 0)
0
from x1 to x2 is the slope Average rate of change over 14 < x < 24: 3 15 x
of the line connecting
f(24) − f(14) 0 − (−10) −10
(x1, f(x1)) and (x2, f(x2)): —— = — = 1 (14, −10)
24 − 14 10
2 f(x ) – f(x )
1 .
——
x2 – x1 Because ∣ −1.4 ∣ > ∣ 1 ∣, the average rate at which the temperature decreases
from midnight to 2 p.m. is greater than the average rate at which it increases
from 2 p.m. to midnight.

SELF-ASSESSMENT 1 I do not understand. 2 I can do it with help. 3 I can do it on my own. 4 I can teach someone else.

4. WHAT IF? The y-intercept is 4.8. How does this change your answers in parts (a) and (b)?
5. REASONING In Example 2, compare the average rates of change over the intervals
in which the temperature is below zero and decreasing, and below zero and increasing.
6. Write an equation of the parabola that passes through the point (2, 5) and has
x-intercepts −2 and 4.

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 Writing Equations to Model Data
GO DIGITAL
When data have equally-spaced inputs, you can analyze patterns in the
differences of the outputs to determine what type of function can be used to model
the data. Linear data have constant first differences. Quadratic data have constant
second differences. The first and second differences of f (x) = x2 are shown below.
Equally-spaced x-values

x −3 −2 −1 0 1 2 3
f(x) 9 4 1 0 1 4 9

first differences: −5 −3 −1 1 3 5

second differences: 2 2 2 2 2

Writing a Quadratic Equation

EXAMPLE 3
Using Three Points
NASA can create a weightless environment by flying a plane in parabolic paths. The
Time, t Height, h(t)
table shows the heights h(t) (in feet) of a plane t seconds after starting the flight path.
10 26,900 After about 20.8 seconds, passengers begin to experience a weightless environment.
15 29,025 Write and evaluate a function to approximate the height at which this occurs.
20 30,600
SOLUTION
25 31,625
Step 1 The input values are equally spaced. So, analyze the differences in the outputs
30 32,100 to determine what type of function you can use to model the data.
35 32,025
h(10) h(15) h(20) h(25) h(30) h(35) h(40)
40 31,400 26,900 29,025 30,600 31,625 32,100 32,025 31,400

2125 1575 1025 475 −75 −625 first differences

−550 −550 −550 −550 −550 second differences

Because the second differences are constant, you can model the data with a
quadratic function.
Step 2 Write a quadratic function of the form h(t) = at 2 + bt + c that models the data.
Use any three points (t, h(t)) from the table to write a system of equations.
Use (10, 26,900): 100a + 10b + c = 26,900 Equation 1
Use (20, 30,600): 400a + 20b + c = 30,600 Equation 2
Use (30, 32,100): 900a + 30b + c = 32,100 Equation 3
Use the elimination method to solve the system.
Subtract Equation 1 from Equation 2. 300a + 10b = 3700 New Equation 1
Subtract Equation 1 from Equation 3. 800a + 20b = 5200 New Equation 2
200a = −2200 Subtract 2 times new Equation 1 from new Equation 2.
a = −11 Solve for a.
b = 700 Substitute into new Equation 1 to find b.
c = 21,000 Substitute into Equation 1 to find c.

The data can be modeled by the function h(t) = −11t2 + 700t + 21,000.
Step 3 Evaluate the function when t = 20.8.
h(20.8) = −11(20.8)2 + 700(20.8) + 21,000 = 30,800.96

Passengers begin to experience a weightless environment at about 30,800 feet.

74 Chapter 2 Quadratic Functions

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 Real-life data that show a quadratic relationship usually do not have
constant second differences because the data are not exactly quadratic. GO DIGITAL
Relationships that are approximately quadratic have second differences
that are relatively “close” in value. Many technology tools have a quadratic regression
feature that you can use to find a quadratic function that best models a set of data.

EXAMPLE 4 Using Quadratic Regression

Miles per Miles per
hour, x gallon, y The table shows fuel efficiencies of a vehicle at different speeds. Write a function that
models the data. Use the model to approximate the best gas mileage.
20 14.5
24 17.5 SOLUTION
30 21.2 Because the x-values are not equally spaced, you cannot analyze the differences in the
36 23.7 outputs. Use technology to find a function that models the data.
40 25.2 Step 1 Enter the data from the table Step 2 Find the quadratic equation.
45 25.8 and create a scatter plot. The data The values in the equation
show a quadratic relationship. can be rounded to obtain
50 25.8 y = −0.014x 2 + 1.37x − 7.1.
56 25.1 30
60 24.0 y = ax 2 + bx + c
20 PARAMETERS
70 19.5 a = −0.0141 b = 1.3662
10 c = −7.1441
STATISTICS
20 40 60
R2 = 0.9992

Step 3 Graph the regression equation with the

30 (48.929, 26.416)
scatter plot.
In this context, the best gas mileage is the 20
maximum mileage per gallon. Using technology,
you can see that the maximum mileage per 10
gallon is about 26.4 miles per gallon when
20 40 60
driving about 48.9 miles per hour.

So, the best gas mileage is about 26.4 miles per gallon.

SELF-ASSESSMENT 1 I do not understand. 2 I can do it with help. 3 I can do it on my own. 4 I can teach someone else.

7. WRITING Explain when it is appropriate to use a quadratic model for a set of data.
8. Write an equation of the parabola that passes through the points (−1, 4), (0, 1), and (2, 7).
9. The table shows the estimated profits y (in dollars) for a concert when the charge
is x dollars per ticket. Write and evaluate a function to determine the maximum profit.

Ticket price, x 2 5 8 11 14 17
Profit, y 2600 6500 8600 8900 7400 4100

10. The table shows the results of an experiment testing the maximum weights y (in tons)
supported by ice x inches thick. Write a function that models the data. How much
weight can be supported by ice that is 22 inches thick?

Ice thickness, x 12 14 15 18 20 24 27
Maximum weight, y 3.4 7.6 10.0 18.3 25.0 40.6 54.3

2.4 Modeling with Quadratic Functions 75

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 2.4 Practice WITH AND
GO DIGITAL

In Exercises 1–6, write an equation of the parabola in In Exercises 15–18, write an equation of the parabola in
vertex form. Example 1 vertex form or intercept form.

1. y 2. y 15. 16.
(8, 3)
8 Flare Signal Amusement Park Ride
(–2, 6)
(–1, 3) 8 x
(4, −1) y y (0, 180)

Height (feet)
Height (feet)
−4 (3, 150) (1, 164)
160 160
4 x −8
80 80
(1, 86)
0 0
3. passes through (13, 8) and has vertex (3, 2) 0 2 4 6 x 0 2 4 x
Time (seconds) Time (seconds)
4. passes through (−7, −15) and has vertex (−5, 9)

5. passes through (0, −24) and has vertex (−6, −12) 17.. Human Jump 18.
1 Frog Jump

Height (feet)
y

Height (feet)
y (3, 1)
6. passes through (6, 35) and has vertex (−1, 14) 4 1.00
(3, 2.25)
In Exercises 7–12, write an equation of the parabola in 2 0.50
intercept form. Example 2 (0, 0) (4, 0) (1, 59 )
0 0.00
0 2 4 x 0 2 4 x
7. y 8. y
Distance (feet) Distance (feet)
4
(3, 4) x
−2 (2, 0)
(4, 0) (−1, 0) 19. ERROR ANALYSIS Describe and correct the error in
−4 8x (1, −2)
writing an equation of the parabola.
−4 −4
(2, 0)

9. x-intercepts: 12 and −6; passes through (14, 4) ✗ 4

2
y
(3, 4)
y = a(x − p)(x − q)
4 = a(3 − 1)(3 + 2)
2
10. x-intercepts: 9 and 1; passes through (0, −18) —
5
=a
−2 x y = —25 (x − 1)(x + 2)
11. x-intercepts: −16 and −2; passes through (−18, 72) (2, 0)
(−1, 0)
12. x-intercepts: −7 and −3; passes through (−2, 0.05)

13. WRITING Explain when to use intercept form and

when to use vertex form when writing an equation of 20. CONNECTING CONCEPTS The area of a rectangle is
a parabola. modeled by the graph, where y is the area (in square
meters) and x is the
Rectangles
14. COLLEGE PREP Which of the following equations width (in meters).
represent the parabola? Select all that apply. Write an equation of y
(square meters)

12
the parabola. Find the
A y = 2(x − 2)(x + 1) y
dimensions and
Area

(2, 0) 8
B y = 2(x + 0.5)2 − 4.5 −2 4x
corresponding area
(1, 6)
(−1, 0) of one possible 4
C y = 2(x − 0.5)2 − 4.5 rectangle. What (0, 0) (7, 0)
0
D y = 2(x + 2)(x − 1) −4 dimensions result 0 4 8 x
(0.5, −4.5) in the maximum area? Width (meters)

76 Chapter 2 Quadratic Functions

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 21. MODELING REAL LIFE Every rope has a safe working 25. COMPARING METHODS Which method
load. A rope should not be used to lift a weight is more efficient for finding an equation GO DIGITAL
greater than its safe working load. The table shows of the parabola that passes through the
the safe working loads S (in pounds) for ropes with points (−8, 0), (2, −20), and (1, 0): using a system
circumferences C (in inches). Write an equation of three equations in three variables or using intercept
for the safe working load for a rope. Find the safe form? Justify your answer.
working load for a rope that has a circumference of
10 inches. Example 3 26. MAKING AN ARGUMENT Do quadratic functions with
the same x-intercepts have the same equations, vertex,
Circumference, C 0 1 2 3 and axis of symmetry? Explain your reasoning.
Safe working 27. MODELING REAL LIFE The table shows the distances
0 180 720 1620
load, S y a motorcyclist is from home after x hours.

22. MODELING REAL LIFE A baseball is thrown up in Time (hours), x 0 1 2 3

the air. The table shows the heights y (in feet) of the
baseball after x seconds. Write an equation for the Distance (miles), y 0 45 90 135
path of the baseball. Find the height of the baseball
after 1.7 seconds. a. Determine what type of function you can use to
model the data. Explain your reasoning.
Time, x 0.5 1 1.5 2 b. Write and evaluate a function to determine the
Baseball height, y 18 24 22 12 distance the motorcyclist is from home after
6 hours.

23. USING TOOLS The table shows the numbers 28. PROBLEM SOLVING The table shows the
y (in thousands) of people in a city who regularly use heights y of a competitive water-skier x seconds after
sharable electric scooters x weeks after the scooters jumping off a ramp. Write a function that models the
are introduced. Write a function that models the data. height of the water-skier over time. When is the
Use the model to predict the number of water-skier 5 feet above the water? How long is the
users after 32 weeks. Example 4 skier in the air?

Number of Time (seconds), x 0 0.25 0.75 1 1.1

Time, x
users, y Height (feet), y 22 22.5 17.5 12 9.24
1 1.5
4 2.2 In Exercises 29–32, analyze the differences in the
6 2.4 outputs to determine whether the data are linear,
quadratic, or neither. Explain. If the data are linear or
10 3.9 quadratic, write a function that models the data.
12 5.5
29. Price decrease
15 6.8 0 5 10 15 20
(dollars), x
20 12.3
Revenue
24 16.4 470 630 690 650 510
($1000s), y
25 17.6
30.
Time (hours), x 0 1 2 3 4
Height (feet), y 40 42 44 46 48
24. USING TOOLS The table shows the numbers
y of students absent from school x days after a flu 31.
outbreak. Write a function that models the data. Use Time (hours), x 1 2 3 4 5
the model to approximate the number of students Population
2 4 8 16 32
absent 10 days after the outbreak. (hundreds), y

Time (days), x 2 4 5 6 8 9 11 32.

Day, x 1 2 3 4
Number of
students, y
11 17 19 19 17 14 7 Balance (dollars), y 320 303 254 173

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 33. OPEN-ENDED Describe a real-life situation not 35. REPEATED REASONING The table shows
mentioned in this chapter that can be modeled by a the number of tiles in each figure. Verify GO DIGITAL
quadratic equation. Justify your answer. that the data show a quadratic relationship.
Predict the number of tiles in the 12th figure.
34. HOW DO YOU SEE IT?
Use the graph to determine whether the average
rate of change over each interval is positive,
negative, or zero.
Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4
y
8
Figure 1 2 3 4
6
Number of tiles 1 5 11 19
4

36. THOUGHT PROVOKING

The table shows the temperatures y (in degrees
−2 2 4 6x Fahrenheit) of a cup of tea after x minutes. Write
a function that models the data and can be used to
predict the temperature of the tea after 20 minutes.
a. 0 ≤ x ≤ 2 b. 2 ≤ x ≤ 5 Explain your reasoning.
c. 2 ≤ x ≤ 4 d. 0 ≤ x ≤ 4
Time, x 0 2 4 6 8 10
Temperature, y 190 164 146 131 120 111

REVIEW & REFRESH

In Exercises 37–40, factor the polynomial. In Exercises 45 and 46, identify the focus, directrix,
and axis of symmetry of the parabola. Graph the
37. x2 + 4x + 3 38. x2 − 3x + 2
equation.
39. 3x2 − 15x + 12 40. x2 + x − 6 45. x = −— 21
46. 16y = x2
12 y

41. MODELING REAL LIFE The table shows the 47. Let the graph of g be a horizontal shrink by a factor
heights y (in feet) of a firework x seconds after it of —14 , followed by a translation 1 unit up and 3 units
is launched. The firework explodes at its highest right of the graph of f(x) = (2x + 1)2 − 11. Write a
point. Write an equation for the path of the rule for g and identify the vertex.
firework. Find the height at which the
firework explodes. In Exercises 48–51, solve the inequality. Graph the
solution.
Time, x 0 1 2 3
48. m + 9 ≥ 13 49. 15 − n < −6
Height, y 0 112 192 240 q
50. 5p > 10 51. −— ≤ 3
4
42. Determine whether the y
graph represents a function. 52. Determine whether the table represents a linear or
2
Explain. an exponential function. Explain.
x
−3 2 x −1 0 1 2 3
−2 1 1
y —8 —2 2 8 32

In Exercises 43 and 44, graph the function. Label the In Exercises 53 and 54, write an equation in
vertex and axis of symmetry. slope-intercept form of the line that passes through
43. f(x) = 2(x − 1)2 − 5
the given points.
53. (4, −1), (0, 3) 54. (−3, −2), (1, 4)
44. h(x) = 3x 2 + 6x − 2

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