Which Quadratic Function Has Exactly One X-Intercept?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around identifying quadratic functions that have exactly one x-intercept, exploring the properties of discriminants, and analyzing the characteristics of parabolas. It includes multiple questions related to quadratic equations and their roots.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that a quadratic function has exactly one x-intercept when its discriminant is zero, suggesting the form \(f(x)=(x-r)^2\).
  • One participant calculates the discriminant for the function \(y=x^2-9\) and finds it to be 36, indicating it does not have one x-intercept.
  • Another participant clarifies that the first equation can be expressed as \(y=x^2-9\) to avoid confusion.
  • One participant identifies that \(y=x^2-6x+9\) can be factored as \((x-3)^2\), indicating it has exactly one x-intercept.
  • There is a discussion about the x-intercepts of the function \(y=(x-2)(x+5)\), with one participant stating the correct intercepts as (2, 0) and (-5, 0).
  • Participants discuss the conditions under which a parabola opens upward and its width, with differing opinions on which function appears narrower than a given parabola.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on which quadratic function has exactly one x-intercept, with some supporting \(y=x^2-6x+9\) and others suggesting different functions. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the correct answers to the posed questions.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention the importance of the discriminant in determining the number of x-intercepts, but there is no consensus on the correct answers to the questions posed. Some mathematical steps and assumptions are not fully explored.

yormmanz
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5. Which of these quadratic functions has exactly one x -intercept?
o A. y=x 2 −9
o B. y=x 2 −6x+9
o C. y=x 2 −5x+6
o D. y=x 2 +x−6

A

2. What are the x-intercepts of y=(x−2)(x+5) ?
o A. (0, 2) and (0, -5)
o B. (0, -2) and (0, 5)
o C. (-2, 0) and (5, 0)
o D. (2, 0) and (-5, 0)

D

5. Which of these quadratic functions has exactly one x -intercept?
o A. y=x 2 −9
o B. y=x 2 −6x+9
o C. y=x 2 −5x+6
o D. y=x 2 +x−6

A

2. Which of the following parabolas opens upward and appears narrower than y=−3x 2 +2x−1 ?

o A. y=4x 2 −2x−1
o B. y=−4x 2 +2x−1
o C. y=x 2 +4x
o D. y=−2x 2 +x+3

Cmy answers correct or not

thanks

Guest
 
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Re: help quadric

Hello, and welcome to MHB! (Wave)

For future reference, please limit your threads to a maximum of two questions posted. :)

Let's look at the first one...when a quadratic function has one real root, then its discriminant will be zero, or equivalently, it can be written in the form:

$$f(x)=(x-r)^2$$ where \(r\in\mathbb{R}\)

We see that choice A has a discriminant of \(0^2-4(1)(-9)=36\). Can you proceed to find the correct choice?
 
yormmanz said:
5. Which of these quadratic functions has exactly one x -intercept?
o A. y=x 2 −9
o B. y=x 2 −6x+9
o C. y=x 2 −5x+6
o D. y=x 2 +x−6
Just a quick FYI: The first equation may be written as y = x^2 - 9. It seems obvious but not including the ^ can potentially cause confusion.

-Dan
 
yormmanz said:
5. Which of these quadratic functions has exactly one x -intercept?
o A. y=x 2 −9= (x- 3)(x+ 3)
o B. y=x 2 −6x+9= (x- 3)^2
o C. y=x 2 −5x+6= (x- 3)(x- 2)
o D. y=x 2 +x−6= (x+ 3)(x- 2)

A
The x-axis has y= 0 for all points so an "x- intercept" is where y= 0. Set each of those formulas equal to 0 and solve for x. A quadratic equation may have one (double) root, two real roots, or no real root. Which of those equations has exactly one (double) root.
2. What are the x-intercepts of y=(x−2)(x+5) ?
o A. (0, 2) and (0, -5)
o B. (0, -2) and (0, 5)
o C. (-2, 0) and (5, 0)
o D. (2, 0) and (-5, 0)

D

Again, the x-intercepts are where y= 0. That immediately removes (A) and (B) as possible answers. What are the roots of (x- 2)(x+ 5)= 0?

5. Which of these quadratic functions has exactly one x -intercept?
o A. y=x 2 −9= (x- 3)(x+ 3)
o B. y=x 2 −6x+9= (x- 3)^2
o C. y=x 2 −5x+6= (x- 3)(x- 2)
o D. y=x 2 +x−6= (x+ 3)(x- 2)

A
Set each equal to 0 and solve the equations for x! Which has a double root?

2. Which of the following parabolas opens upward and appears narrower than y=−3x 2 +2x−1 ?

o A. y=4x 2 −2x−1
o B. y=−4x 2 +2x−1
o C. y=x 2 +4x
o D. y=−2x 2 +x+3

C
A parabola opens upward if and only if the leading coefficient (the coefficient of x^2) is positive. Further the larger that leading coefficient is the "narrower" the parabola is. The correct answer is "A", not "C".

Are my answers correct or not

thanks

Guest
 
Last edited:

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