Finding vertex of quadratic equation?

AI Thread Summary
To find the vertex of the quadratic equation f(x) = -1/2(x+1)^2 - 3, the vertex is located at the point (-1, -3), derived from the equation's vertex form. Another user inquired about finding the vertex for f(x) = -3x^2 + 24x - 46, and was guided to complete the square after factoring out -3. The correct vertex for this second equation is (4, 2), achieved by rewriting it in vertex form. The discussion emphasizes the importance of completing the square accurately and balancing the equation correctly. Understanding these methods is crucial for determining the vertex, axis, domain, and range of quadratic equations.
skyza
Messages
22
Reaction score
0
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
 
Physics news on Phys.org
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!
 
Back
Top