Finding vertex of quadratic equation?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on finding the vertex, axis, domain, and range of quadratic equations, specifically using the forms of the equations provided. The vertex of the equation f(x) = -1/2(x+1)^2 - 3 is determined to be at the point (-1, -3) through the method of completing the square. Additionally, for the equation f(x) = -3x^2 + 24x - 46, the vertex is found to be at (4, 2) after factoring out -3 and completing the square. The participants emphasize the importance of understanding the process rather than memorizing formulas.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of quadratic equations and their standard forms
  • Knowledge of completing the square technique
  • Familiarity with vertex form of a quadratic function
  • Basic algebraic manipulation skills
NEXT STEPS
  • Learn how to derive the vertex from the standard form of a quadratic equation
  • Study the process of completing the square in detail
  • Explore the implications of the vertex on the graph of a quadratic function
  • Investigate the relationship between the coefficients of a quadratic equation and its vertex
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Students, educators, and anyone interested in mastering quadratic equations, particularly those studying algebra or preparing for standardized tests in mathematics.

skyza
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I have to find the vertex, axis, domain, & range of this quadratic equation:

f(x)= -1/2(x+1)^2 -3

I can't remember how to do the vertex. Is it y= -b/2a?

Also, I tried factoring the equation, but I think I messed up. I ended up with:

f(x)= .25x^2 +.5x-2.75



Thanks
 
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skyza said:
I have to find the vertex, axis, domain, & range of this quadratic equation:

f(x)= -1/2(x+1)^2 -3

I can't remember how to do the vertex. Is it y= -b/2a?

Also, I tried factoring the equation, but I think I messed up. I ended up with:

f(x)= .25x^2 +.5x-2.75



Thanks

I assume your equation is$$
f(x) = -\frac 1 2(x+1)^2-3$$If so, it is already in the form you need to locate the vertex. Note that the ##(x+1)^2## factor is always greater than or equal zero. Its contribution will be least when it is 0, which happens when ##x=-1##. So your vertex is at ##(-1,-3)##. No need to memorize formulas; just complete the square like in this problem.
 
Thanks for the help.

I'm trying to find the vertex of:

f(x)= -3x^2 +24x-46

and I ended up with:

-3x+144-sqrtof 190
 
What are your a and b terms?

The x coordinate of the vertex is \frac{-b}{2a}, once you have that, you need another coordinate right?
 
skyza said:
Thanks for the help.

I'm trying to find the vertex of:

f(x)= -3x^2 +24x-46

Complete the square on that. Then do what I showed you in my previous post. You do know how to complete the square, right?
 
LCKurtz said:
Complete the square on that. Then do what I showed you in my previous post. You do know how to complete the square, right?

I tried completing the square for:

f(x)= -3x^2 +24x-46

That's how I ended up with that.
I divided 24/2 and added it to both sides and got

-3x+144-sqrtof 190
 
skyza said:
I tried completing the square for:

f(x)= -3x^2 +24x-46

That's how I ended up with that.
I divided 24/2 and added it to both sides and got

-3x+144-sqrtof 190

No. You have to factor out the -3 to start, complete the square on the inside, and balance it out:
##f(x) = -3(x^2 -8x + ?) -46 + ?##
 
LCKurtz said:
No. You have to factor out the -3 to start, complete the square on the inside, and balance it out:
##f(x) = -3(x^2 -8x + ?) -46 + ?##

Alright, I've gotten to:

-3(x-4)(x-4)=62
or
-3(x-4)^2=62
or
-3(x-4)^2 -62=0

What do I do from here?
 
I've figured it out.
 
  • #10
skyza said:
Alright, I've gotten to:

-3(x-4)(x-4)=62
or
-3(x-4)^2=62
or
-3(x-4)^2 -62=0

What do I do from here?

You don't set it equal to anything. What you should have written is$$
f(x) = -3(x^2-8x+16)-46+48 = -3(x-4)^2+2$$From there it is clear that the vertex is ##(4,2)##.
 
  • #11
LCKurtz said:
You don't set it equal to anything. What you should have written is$$
f(x) = -3(x^2-8x+16)-46+48 = -3(x-4)^2+2$$From there it is clear that the vertex is ##(4,2)##.

Why did you add 48 to -46 and instead of adding 16?
 
  • #12
LCKurtz said:
You don't set it equal to anything. What you should have written is$$
f(x) = -3(x^2-8x+16)-46+48 = -3(x-4)^2+2$$From there it is clear that the vertex is ##(4,2)##.

skyza said:
Why did you add 48 to -46 and instead of adding 16?

I didn't just add 16. There is a -3 out in front so I really put in -48 and I have to take it back out if I'm not to change the equation.
 
  • #13
LCKurtz said:
I didn't just add 16. There is a -3 out in front so I really put in -48 and I have to take it back out if I'm not to change the equation.

That's what I thought. Thanks!
 

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