Aimathic
Login | English | Deutsch

Algebra I math worksheets

Build your own math worksheets from 35,000+ problems for grades 3 to 12, from fractions to AP Calculus. Every problem comes with step-by-step solutions.

Find a quadratic from three points

Learning goals

  • Sets up equations from three points on a quadratic.
  • Solves for the quadratic coefficients.
  • Forms the quadratic function from the calculated coefficients.
  • Verifies that all three points satisfy the function.

Click problems to add them to your worksheet.

Find a quadratic from three points 1
A quadratic has the form \(y=ax^2+bx+c\) and passes through \((-1,4)\), \((0,1)\), and \((2,7)\). Write the three equations in \(a\), \(b\), and \(c\) that you would solve to find the quadratic. Do not solve the system.

Hints

- Each ordered pair gives one equation after substitution into \(y=ax^2+bx+c\). - Be especially careful when squaring a negative x-value. - Notice what happens to the variable terms when the x-coordinate is zero.

Solution

1. From \((-1,4)\): \(a-b+c=4\). 2. From \((0,1)\): \(c=1\). 3. From \((2,7)\): \(4a+2b+c=7\).

Answer

\(a-b+c=4\) \(c=1\) \(4a+2b+c=7\)
Find a quadratic from three points 2
Check whether \(f(x)=x^2+x+1\) passes through all three points \((-1, 1)\), \((0, 1)\), and \((2, 7)\). Show a substitution for each point.

Hints

- A point lies on a graph when its two coordinates satisfy the function rule. - Take special care when squaring a negative input. - Check all three points; one successful check is not enough.

Solution

1. At \(x=-1\), \(f(-1)=1-1+1=1\). 2. At \(x=0\), \(f(0)=0+0+1=1\). 3. At \(x=2\), \(f(2)=4+2+1=7\). 4. All three given points satisfy the equation.

Answer

Yes: \(f(-1)=1\), \(f(0)=1\), and \(f(2)=7\).
Find a quadratic from three points 3
A quadratic \(f(x)=ax^2+bx+c\) passes through \((0, 3)\), \((1, 4)\), and \((-1, 6)\). Find \(c\), then write the two equations in \(a\) and \(b\) that the other points give. Do not solve for \(a\) and \(b\).

Hints

- Which given input makes both terms containing \(a\) and \(b\) disappear? - Substitute the now-known constant into each remaining point equation. - Keep the minus sign when using a negative x-coordinate.

Solution

1. Substituting \((0, 3)\) gives \(c=3\). 2. Substituting \((1, 4)\) gives \(a+b+3=4\), so \(a+b=1\). 3. Substituting \((-1, 6)\) gives \(a-b+3=6\), so \(a-b=3\).

Answer

\(c=3\); remaining equations: \(a+b=1\) and \(a-b=3\).
Find a quadratic from three points 4
A quadratic has outputs \(1,2,5,10\) at \(x=0,1,2,3\), in that order. a) Find the changes between consecutive outputs. b) Find the differences between the answers from part a). What do you notice?

Hints

- Which outputs belong to neighboring input values? - Imagine the first changes as a new short list. Are its values equally spaced?

Solution

1. The successive output changes are \(2-1=1\), \(5-2=3\), and \(10-5=5\). 2. The differences between them are \(3-1=2\) and \(5-3=2\). 3. These second differences are equal for equally spaced inputs.

Answer

a) \(1,3,5\) b) \(2,2\); both differences are the same.
Find a quadratic from three points 5
A quadratic function \(f(x)=ax^2+bx+c\) satisfies \(f(2)=6\) and \(f(-2)=-2\). Find \(b\) without finding \(a\) or \(c\).

Hints

- Substitute both positive and negative inputs carefully. - Which terms in the two equations stay the same? - How could you compare the two equations without first finding all three coefficients?

Solution

1. The conditions give \(4a+2b+c=6\) and \(4a-2b+c=-2\). 2. Subtract the second equation from the first to cancel \(a\) and \(c\): \(4b=8\). 3. Therefore, \(b=2\).

Answer

\(b=2\)
Find a quadratic from three points 6
Find the quadratic function \(f(x)=ax^2+bx+c\) through \((-1, 6)\), \((0, 2)\), and \((1, 4)\).

Hints

- Start with the point whose input is zero. - Write one equation from each remaining point and look at their signs. - Can you combine the two equations to remove one unknown?

Solution

1. The point \((0, 2)\) gives \(c=2\). 2. The other points give \(a-b+2=6\) and \(a+b+2=4\), or \(a-b=4\) and \(a+b=2\). 3. Adding yields \(2a=6\), so \(a=3\), and then \(b=-1\). 4. Thus \(f(x)=3x^2-x+2\). Substitution gives outputs \(6\), \(2\), and \(4\) at the stated inputs.

Answer

\(f(x)=3x^2-x+2\)
Find a quadratic from three points 7
Let \(f(x)=ax^2+bx+c\), with \(a\ne0\). a) Write \(f(0)\), \(f(1)\), and \(f(2)\) in terms of \(a,b,c\). b) Show that the change from \(f(1)\) to \(f(2)\), minus the change from \(f(0)\) to \(f(1)\), equals \(2a\).

Hints

- Compare the squared inputs \(0^2\), \(1^2\), and \(2^2\) with the linear inputs. - Which terms might cancel when you compare changes over equal input steps? - What remains from the quadratic term after making the second comparison?

Solution

1. Substitute the inputs: \(f(0)=c\), \(f(1)=a+b+c\), and \(f(2)=4a+2b+c\). 2. The first output change is \(f(1)-f(0)=a+b\). The second is \(f(2)-f(1)=3a+b\). 3. Subtract them: \((3a+b)-(a+b)=2a\). The \(b\) and \(c\) terms do not affect this second difference.

Answer

a) \(f(0)=c\), \(f(1)=a+b+c\), \(f(2)=4a+2b+c\) b) \((f(2)-f(1))-(f(1)-f(0))=(3a+b)-(a+b)=2a\)
Find a quadratic from three points 8
A quadratic function has these values: \(f(0)=2\), \(f(1)=3\), and \(f(2)=8\). Find \(f(x)=ax^2+bx+c\), using the changes between successive outputs to help you.

Hints

- The output at zero directly gives one coefficient. - Compare consecutive changes in the output instead of solving all three equations at once. - What would the changes look like for a linear function? How are these values different?

Solution

1. From \(f(0)=2\), we get \(c=2\). 2. The outputs change by \(1\) and then \(5\); their difference is \(4\), so for unit-spaced inputs \(2a=4\) and \(a=2\). 3. From \(f(1)=3\), we have \(2+b+2=3\), giving \(b=-1\). 4. The rule is \(f(x)=2x^2-x+2\); it gives \(f(2)=8\) as required.

Answer

\(f(x)=2x^2-x+2\)
Find a quadratic from three points 9
A parabola passes through the three plotted points. Use their positions to find its equation in vertex form.
Figure for problem 560374

Hints

- Compare the x- and y-coordinates of the three marked points. - What does a parabola's symmetry tell you when two points have the same height? - How can an equation in vertex form make use of the coordinates you found?

Solution

1. Points \((-1, 2)\) and \((3, 2)\) have equal heights, so the symmetry axis is halfway between their x-coordinates: \(x=1\). 2. The third point is \((1, -2)\), on the axis, so it is the vertex. 3. Write \(f(x)=a(x-1)^2-2\). Using \((-1, 2)\), we get \(2=a(-2)^2-2\), so \(4a=4\) and \(a=1\). 4. Thus \(f(x)=(x-1)^2-2\); it passes through all three points.

Answer

\(f(x)=(x-1)^2-2\)
Find a quadratic from three points 10
A quadratic has zeros \(-3\) and \(1\) and passes through \((0, -6)\). Find its equation in factored form.

Hints

- What happens to a factor when its zero is substituted? - Two functions can have the same zeros but different heights. How could you account for that? - Which condition checks that your factorization gives the correct height?

Solution

1. The zeros give \(f(x)=a(x+3)(x-1)\). 2. The point \((0, -6)\) gives \(-6=a(3)(-1)=-3a\), so \(a=2\). 3. Therefore, \(f(x)=2(x+3)(x-1)\), which has the stated zeros and y-intercept.

Answer

\(f(x)=2(x+3)(x-1)\)
Find a quadratic from three points 11
Find the quadratic \(f(x)=ax^2+bx+c\) that passes through \((0,-2)\), \((1,1)\), and \((3,19)\). Start by finding \(c\). Then write the other two point equations and use them to find \(a\) and \(b\). Check your function at all three inputs.

Hints

- One of the x-coordinates makes both variable terms disappear. - Simplify both remaining equations before trying to solve them together. - What combination of the equations would leave only one unknown?

Solution

1. The point \((0,-2)\) gives \(c=-2\). 2. The other two points give \(a+b-2=1\) and \(9a+3b-2=19\), so \(a+b=3\) and \(3a+b=7\). 3. Subtract the equations to get \(2a=4\). Thus \(a=2\), and then \(b=1\). 4. Therefore \(f(x)=2x^2+x-2\). Its outputs at \(0,1,3\) are \(-2,1,19\), as required.

Answer

\(f(x)=2x^2+x-2\); the point checks give \(f(0)=-2\), \(f(1)=1\), and \(f(3)=19\).
Find a quadratic from three points 12
The graph of \(f(x) = ax^2 + bx + c\) passes through \(A(0, 4)\), \(B(1, 3)\), and \(C(2, 6)\). Find \(a\), \(b\), and \(c\), and write the function.

Hints

- What does a point on the \(y\)-axis tell you about \(c\)? - Substitute each point into \(f(x) = ax^2 + bx + c\). - How can you solve the resulting system of equations? - Check the final function using all three points.

Solution

1. Substitute \(A(0, 4)\): \(c = 4\). 2. Substitute \(B(1, 3)\): \(a + b + 4 = 3\), so \(a + b = -1\). 3. Substitute \(C(2, 6)\): \(4a + 2b + 4 = 6\), so \(2a + b = 1\). 4. Subtract \(a + b = -1\) from \(2a + b = 1\): \(a = 2\). Then \(2 + b = -1\), so \(b = -3\). 5. Therefore, \(f(x) = 2x^2 - 3x + 4\).

Answer

\(a = 2\), \(b = -3\), \(c = 4\); \(f(x) = 2x^2 - 3x + 4\)
Find a quadratic from three points 13
The points \(P(1,1)\), \(Q(2,0)\), and \(R(-1,9)\) lie on a parabola \(f(x)=ax^2+bx+c\). Find the function by solving the three-point linear system. Your answer must include the three equations obtained from the points and the values of \(a\), \(b\), and \(c\).

Hints

- Substitute each ordered pair into the same standard-form template. - Look for two equations whose subtraction isolates one coefficient efficiently. - Keep the coefficient values visible before writing the final function.

Solution

1. Substitution gives \(a+b+c=1\), \(4a+2b+c=0\), and \(a-b+c=9\). 2. Subtract the third equation from the first: \(2b=-8\), so \(b=-4\). 3. Substitute \(b=-4\): \(a+c=5\) and \(4a+c=8\). 4. Subtract to get \(3a=3\), so \(a=1\), then \(c=4\). 5. Therefore, \(f(x)=x^2-4x+4\).

Answer

System: \(a+b+c=1\), \(4a+2b+c=0\), \(a-b+c=9\) \(a=1\), \(b=-4\), \(c=4\) \(f(x)=x^2-4x+4\)
Find a quadratic from three points 14
A quadratic function has the form \(f(x)=ax^2+bx+c\). Its graph passes through \((-1,9)\), \((1,1)\), and \((2,3)\). Find \(a\), \(b\), and \(c\), and write the function.

Hints

- Every given point makes the quadratic equation true. What equations do you get from the three points? - Compare the equations from the points with x-coordinates \(-1\) and \(1\). - After finding one coefficient, how can you reduce the system to two unknowns?

Solution

1. Substitute the three points into \(f(x)=ax^2+bx+c\) to get \(a-b+c=9\), \(a+b+c=1\), and \(4a+2b+c=3\). 2. Subtract the first equation from the second: \(2b=-8\), so \(b=-4\). 3. Substitute \(b=-4\) into the first and third equations: \(a+c=5\) and \(4a+c=11\). 4. Subtract: \(3a=6\), so \(a=2\). Then \(c=3\). 5. The function is \(f(x)=2x^2-4x+3\). Substitution confirms all three given points.

Answer

\(a=2\), \(b=-4\), \(c=3\); \(f(x)=2x^2-4x+3\).
Find a quadratic from three points 15
A parabola passes through \(A(0, 5)\), \(B(2, 1)\), and \(C(4, 5)\). First find its equation in the form \(f(x) = ax^2 + bx + c\). Then determine algebraically whether \(D(5, 10)\) also lies on the graph.

Hints

- What does the point \(A(0, 5)\) tell you immediately about \(c\)? - Substitute the known value of \(c\) into the other two point equations. - How do you test whether a point lies on a graph?

Solution

1. Substituting \(A(0, 5)\) gives \(c = 5\). 2. Substitute \(B(2, 1)\): \(4a + 2b + 5 = 1\), so \(2a + b = -2\). 3. Substitute \(C(4, 5)\): \(16a + 4b + 5 = 5\), so \(4a + b = 0\). 4. Subtract the equations: \(2a = 2\), so \(a = 1\). Then \(4 + b = 0\), so \(b = -4\). 5. Thus, \(f(x) = x^2 - 4x + 5\). 6. Evaluate \(f(5) = 5^2 - 4 \cdot 5 + 5 = 10\). Since this matches the point's \(y\)-coordinate, \(D(5, 10)\) lies on the graph.

Answer

\(f(x) = x^2 - 4x + 5\). Yes, \(D(5, 10)\) lies on the graph.
Find a quadratic from three points 16
The points \(A(0, -1)\), \(B(2, 5)\), and \(C(-2, -3)\) lie on a parabola. Find the equation in standard form \(f(x) = ax^2 + bx + c\), and then rewrite it in vertex form.

Hints

- Which point gives \(c\) immediately? - Use the other two points to create a system for \(a\) and \(b\). - After finding standard form, how can completing the square produce vertex form? - What information becomes visible in vertex form?

Solution

1. Substituting \(A(0, -1)\) gives \(c = -1\). 2. Substitute \(B(2, 5)\): \(4a + 2b - 1 = 5\), so \(4a + 2b = 6\). 3. Substitute \(C(-2, -3)\): \(4a - 2b - 1 = -3\), so \(4a - 2b = -2\). 4. Add the two equations: \(8a = 4\), so \(a = 0.5\). Then \(2 + 2b = 6\), so \(b = 2\). 5. The standard form is \(f(x) = 0.5x^2 + 2x - 1\). 6. Complete the square: \(f(x) = 0.5(x^2 + 4x) - 1 = 0.5((x + 2)^2 - 4) - 1 = 0.5(x + 2)^2 - 3\).

Answer

Standard form: \(f(x) = 0.5x^2 + 2x - 1\) Vertex form: \(f(x) = 0.5(x + 2)^2 - 3\)
Find a quadratic from three points 17
A parabola passes through \(P(-1, -5)\), \(Q(1, 3)\), and \(R(2, 1)\). Find the equation \(f(x) = ax^2 + bx + c\). Then rewrite it in vertex form and state the vertex.

Hints

- Write one equation for each of the three points. - Compare the equations from \(P\) and \(Q\). Which variable is easy to isolate? - After finding \(a\), \(b\), and \(c\), how can you rewrite the function to reveal the vertex?

Solution

1. Substitute the points: \(a - b + c = -5\), \(a + b + c = 3\), \(4a + 2b + c = 1\). 2. Subtract the first equation from the second: \(2b = 8\), so \(b = 4\). 3. Substitute \(b = 4\): the second equation gives \(a + c = -1\), and the third gives \(4a + c = -7\). 4. Subtract the equations: \(3a = -6\), so \(a = -2\). Then \(c = 1\). 5. The standard form is \(f(x) = -2x^2 + 4x + 1\). 6. Complete the square: \(f(x) = -2(x^2 - 2x) + 1 = -2((x - 1)^2 - 1) + 1 = -2(x - 1)^2 + 3\). The vertex is \((1, 3)\).

Answer

Standard form: \(f(x) = -2x^2 + 4x + 1\) Vertex form: \(f(x) = -2(x - 1)^2 + 3\) Vertex: \((1, 3)\)
Find a quadratic from three points 18
The points \(D(-1, 1)\), \(E(1, -1)\), and \(F(2, 1)\) determine a parabola. Find \(f(x) = ax^2 + bx + c\) and rewrite it in vertex form.

Hints

- Use elimination to remove variables one at a time. - How can the equations from \(x = -1\) and \(x = 1\) simplify the system? - When completing the square with an odd linear coefficient, what number should you add and subtract?

Solution

1. Substitute the points: \(a - b + c = 1\), \(a + b + c = -1\), \(4a + 2b + c = 1\). 2. Subtract the second equation from the first: \(-2b = 2\), so \(b = -1\). 3. Substitute \(b = -1\). The second equation gives \(a + c = 0\), so \(c = -a\). The third gives \(4a - 2 + c = 1\). Thus, \(3a = 3\), so \(a = 1\) and \(c = -1\). 4. The standard form is \(f(x) = x^2 - x - 1\). 5. Complete the square: \(f(x) = x^2 - x + 0.25 - 0.25 - 1 = (x - 0.5)^2 - 1.25\).

Answer

Standard form: \(f(x) = x^2 - x - 1\) Vertex form: \(f(x) = (x - 0.5)^2 - 1.25\)
Find a quadratic from three points 19
A parabola passes through \(A(1, 7)\), \(B(3, 3)\), and \(C(5, 7)\). Explain which form—standard, vertex, or intercept—is the most efficient starting point, and find the equation.

Hints

- What do you notice about the \(y\)-coordinates of \(A\) and \(C\)? - Where is the axis of symmetry between two points at the same height? - Which form is easiest when the vertex is known?

Solution

1. Points \(A\) and \(C\) have the same \(y\)-coordinate, so the axis of symmetry is halfway between their \(x\)-coordinates: \(x = \frac{1 + 5}{2} = 3\). 2. Since \(B(3, 3)\) lies on that axis, it is the vertex. Vertex form is therefore the most efficient choice: \(y = a(x - 3)^2 + 3\). 3. Substitute \(A(1, 7)\): \(7 = a(1 - 3)^2 + 3\), so \(4a = 4\) and \(a = 1\). 4. The function is \(y = (x - 3)^2 + 3\), or in standard form, \(y = x^2 - 6x + 12\).

Answer

Vertex form is the most efficient starting point. \(y = (x - 3)^2 + 3\), or \(y = x^2 - 6x + 12\) in standard form.
Find a quadratic from three points 20
Find the equation of the parabola that passes through \(A(-1, 11)\), \(B(1, 3)\), and \(C(2, 5)\). Show your work.

Hints

- When no zeros or vertex are given, standard form is a useful starting point. - Substitute each point to create three equations. - Eliminate one variable at a time from the system.

Solution

1. Use standard form \(y = ax^2 + bx + c\) and substitute the points: \(a - b + c = 11\), \(a + b + c = 3\), \(4a + 2b + c = 5\). 2. Subtract the first equation from the second: \(2b = -8\), so \(b = -4\). 3. Substitute \(b = -4\): the second equation gives \(a + c = 7\), and the third gives \(4a + c = 13\). 4. Subtract the equations: \(3a = 6\), so \(a = 2\). Then \(c = 5\). 5. Therefore, \(y = 2x^2 - 4x + 5\).

Answer

\(y = 2x^2 - 4x + 5\)
Find a quadratic from three points 21
A parabola passes through \(P(0, 3)\), \(Q(1, 2)\), and \(R(2, 3)\). a) Find the function in standard form \(f(x) = ax^2 + bx + c\). b) Compare its width with \(y = x^2\). Is it narrower, wider, or the same width? Justify using \(a\). c) State the vertex.

Hints

- What does a point with \(x = 0\) tell you about \(c\)? - Which coefficient determines a parabola's width and opening direction? - Do the points show a symmetry that helps locate the vertex?

Solution

a) Substituting \(P(0, 3)\) gives \(c = 3\). From \(Q(1, 2)\), \(a + b = -1\). From \(R(2, 3)\), \(2a + b = 0\). Subtracting gives \(a = 1\), then \(b = -2\). Thus, \(f(x) = x^2 - 2x + 3\). b) Since \(|a| = 1\), the parabola has the same width as \(y = x^2\). c) Rewrite \(f(x) = (x - 1)^2 + 2\), so the vertex is \((1, 2)\).

Answer

a) \(f(x) = x^2 - 2x + 3\) b) It has the same width as \(y = x^2\) because \(|a| = 1\). c) \((1, 2)\)
Find a quadratic from three points 22
The points \(K(-3, 0)\), \(L(1, 0)\), and \(M(2, 10)\) lie on a parabola. a) Find the function in standard form \(f(x) = ax^2 + bx + c\). b) Rewrite the function in vertex form. c) Determine algebraically whether \(D(-2, -6)\) lies on the graph.

Hints

- Two points have \(y = 0\). What does that tell you about the graph? - How can the third point determine the leading coefficient once the zeros are used as factors? - How do you test whether a point lies on a graph? - How can completing the square produce vertex form?

Solution

a) Since \(K\) and \(L\) are x-intercepts, write \(f(x)=a(x+3)(x-1)\). Use \(M(2,10)\): \(10=a(2+3)(2-1)=5a\), so \(a=2\). Expanding gives \(f(x)=2(x+3)(x-1)=2x^2+4x-6\). b) Complete the square: \(f(x)=2(x^2+2x)-6=2((x+1)^2-1)-6=2(x+1)^2-8\). c) Evaluate \(f(-2)=2(-2)^2+4(-2)-6=-6\). Therefore, \(D(-2,-6)\) lies on the graph.

Answer

a) \(f(x) = 2x^2 + 4x - 6\) b) \(f(x) = 2(x + 1)^2 - 8\) c) Yes, \(D(-2, -6)\) lies on the graph.
Find a quadratic from three points 23
The points \(A(-2, 1)\), \(B(0, 5)\), and \(C(2, 1)\) lie on a parabola. Find its equation and briefly explain whether standard, vertex, or intercept form is the best starting point.

Hints

- What do you notice about the \(y\)-coordinates of \(A\) and \(C\)? - Which point lies on the axis of symmetry? - Which form is easiest when the vertex is known?

Solution

1. Points \(A\) and \(C\) have the same \(y\)-coordinate and are equally far from \(x = 0\), so the axis of symmetry is \(x = 0\). 2. Since \(B(0, 5)\) lies on the axis, it is the vertex. Vertex form is therefore the most efficient starting point: \(y = ax^2 + 5\). 3. Substitute \(C(2, 1)\): \(1 = 4a + 5\), so \(a = -1\). 4. Thus, the equation is \(y = -x^2 + 5\).

Answer

Vertex form is the best starting point, and the equation is \(y = -x^2 + 5\).
Find a quadratic from three points 24
A video analysis of a basketball shot identifies three points on the ball's path, with both coordinates measured in meters: - release point: \(P_1(0, 1)\) - rising point: \(P_2(2, 5)\) - falling point: \(P_3(4, 5)\) Find the quadratic function \(f(x) = ax^2 + bx + c\) that models the path.

Hints

- Which point gives the \(y\)-intercept directly? - Substitute the other two points to create a system in \(a\) and \(b\). - How can you eliminate one variable from the two equations?

Solution

1. Substitute \(P_1(0, 1)\): \(c = 1\). 2. Substitute \(P_2(2, 5)\): \(4a + 2b + 1 = 5\), so \(2a + b = 2\). 3. Substitute \(P_3(4, 5)\): \(16a + 4b + 1 = 5\), so \(4a + b = 1\). 4. Subtract the equations: \(2a = -1\), so \(a = -0.5\). 5. Substitute into \(2a + b = 2\): \(-1 + b = 2\), so \(b = 3\). 6. Therefore, \(f(x) = -0.5x^2 + 3x + 1\).

Answer

\(f(x) = -0.5x^2 + 3x + 1\)
Find a quadratic from three points 25
A parabola passes through \(P(0,4)\), \(Q(2,0)\), and \(R(4,4)\). Use the symmetry of \(P\) and \(R\) to simplify the reconstruction. In your answer, first state the axis of symmetry and explain why \(Q\) is the vertex. Then find \(a\), \(b\), and \(c\) in \(f(x)=ax^2+bx+c\).

Hints

- Compare the x-coordinates of the two points with equal y-values. - A point on the parabola that lies on the symmetry axis is especially useful when it is the lowest visible point implied by the symmetric pair. - Once the vertex is known, vertex form uses only one unknown scale factor.

Solution

1. Points \(P\) and \(R\) have equal y-values and x-coordinates equally spaced around \(x=2\), so the axis of symmetry is \(x=2\). 2. Point \(Q=(2,0)\) lies on that axis and on the parabola, so it is the vertex. 3. Write \(f(x)=a(x-2)^2\). Using \(P(0,4)\), \(4=4a\), so \(a=1\). 4. Expand: \(f(x)=(x-2)^2=x^2-4x+4\). Thus, \(a=1\), \(b=-4\), and \(c=4\).

Answer

Axis of symmetry: \(x=2\), because \(P\) and \(R\) have the same y-value at equal horizontal distances from \(x=2\). Therefore, \(Q(2,0)\) is the vertex. \(a=1\), \(b=-4\), \(c=4\); \(f(x)=x^2-4x+4\).
Find a quadratic from three points 26
The graph of \(p(x) = ax^2 + bx + c\) has a \(y\)-intercept of \(5\) and passes through \(D(-1, 12)\) and \(E(2, 9)\). Find the function.

Hints

- What does a \(y\)-intercept of \(5\) tell you about \(c\)? - How can the two additional points create two equations in \(a\) and \(b\)? - Which system-solving method is most efficient here?

Solution

1. A \(y\)-intercept of \(5\) gives \(c = 5\). 2. Substitute \(D(-1, 12)\): \(a - b + 5 = 12\), so \(a - b = 7\). 3. Substitute \(E(2, 9)\): \(4a + 2b + 5 = 9\), so \(2a + b = 2\). 4. Add the equations: \(3a = 9\), so \(a = 3\). 5. Substitute into \(a - b = 7\): \(3 - b = 7\), so \(b = -4\). 6. Therefore, \(p(x) = 3x^2 - 4x + 5\).

Answer

\(p(x) = 3x^2 - 4x + 5\)
Find a quadratic from three points 27
The points are \(A(-2, 10)\), \(B(0, 2)\), and \(C(2, 2)\). First determine whether the three points are collinear. If they are not, find the quadratic function \(f(x) = ax^2 + bx + c\) whose graph passes through all three points.

Hints

- How do you compare slopes to test collinearity? - What value can you read directly from a point on the \(y\)-axis? - How can you solve the resulting two equations in \(a\) and \(b\)?

Solution

1. Compute two slopes: \(m_{AB} = \frac{2 - 10}{0 - (-2)} = -4\) and \(m_{BC} = \frac{2 - 2}{2 - 0} = 0\). Since the slopes are different, the points are not collinear. 2. Substituting \(B(0, 2)\) gives \(c = 2\). 3. Substitute \(A(-2, 10)\): \(4a - 2b + 2 = 10\), so \(4a - 2b = 8\). 4. Substitute \(C(2, 2)\): \(4a + 2b + 2 = 2\), so \(4a + 2b = 0\). 5. Add the equations: \(8a = 8\), so \(a = 1\). Then \(4 + 2b = 0\), so \(b = -2\). 6. Therefore, \(f(x) = x^2 - 2x + 2\).

Answer

The points are not collinear. The quadratic function is \(f(x) = x^2 - 2x + 2\).
Find a quadratic from three points 28
Determine whether \(P(1, 1)\), \(Q(2, 3)\), and \(R(3, 7)\) are collinear. If they are not, find the quadratic function \(f(x) = ax^2 + bx + c\) that passes through them.

Hints

- Compare the slopes from \(P\) to \(Q\) and from \(Q\) to \(R\). - Substitute each point into \(f(x) = ax^2 + bx + c\). - How can subtracting consecutive equations eliminate \(c\)?

Solution

1. The slopes are \(m_{PQ} = \frac{3 - 1}{2 - 1} = 2\) and \(m_{QR} = \frac{7 - 3}{3 - 2} = 4\). Since the slopes are different, the points are not collinear. 2. Substitute the points: \(a + b + c = 1\), \(4a + 2b + c = 3\), \(9a + 3b + c = 7\). 3. Subtract consecutive equations: \(3a + b = 2\) and \(5a + b = 4\). 4. Subtract these equations: \(2a = 2\), so \(a = 1\). Then \(3 + b = 2\), so \(b = -1\). 5. Substitute into \(a + b + c = 1\): \(c = 1\). 6. Therefore, \(f(x) = x^2 - x + 1\).

Answer

The points are not collinear. The quadratic function is \(f(x) = x^2 - x + 1\).
Find a quadratic from three points 29
Determine whether \(K(-2, 1)\), \(L(1, -2)\), and \(M(4, 1)\) are collinear. If they are not, find the quadratic function \(f(x) = ax^2 + bx + c\) that passes through them.

Hints

- Compare the slopes between consecutive pairs of points. - What do you notice about the \(y\)-coordinates of \(K\) and \(M\)? - Can symmetry identify the vertex before you solve for the equation? - Fractional coefficients are valid results.

Solution

1. The slopes are \(m_{KL} = \frac{-2 - 1}{1 - (-2)} = -1\) and \(m_{LM} = \frac{1 - (-2)}{4 - 1} = 1\). Since the slopes are different, the points are not collinear. 2. Points \(K\) and \(M\) have the same \(y\)-coordinate and are equally spaced from \(x = 1\), so \(L(1, -2)\) is the vertex. 3. Use vertex form: \(f(x) = a(x - 1)^2 - 2\). 4. Substitute \(K(-2, 1)\): \(1 = a(-3)^2 - 2\), so \(9a = 3\) and \(a = \frac{1}{3}\). 5. Expand: \(f(x) = \frac{1}{3}(x - 1)^2 - 2 = \frac{1}{3}x^2 - \frac{2}{3}x - \frac{5}{3}\).

Answer

The points are not collinear. The quadratic function is \(f(x) = \frac{1}{3}x^2 - \frac{2}{3}x - \frac{5}{3}\).
Find a quadratic from three points 30
Find the quadratic function \(f(x) = ax^2 + bx + c\) whose graph passes through \(A(-2, 10)\), \(B(1, -2)\), and \(C(3, 0)\).

Hints

- Substitute each point into standard form. - How can subtracting equations eliminate \(c\)? - Solve the resulting two-equation system before finding the final coefficient.

Solution

1. Substitute the points: \(4a - 2b + c = 10\), \(a + b + c = -2\), \(9a + 3b + c = 0\). 2. Subtract the second equation from the first: \(3a - 3b = 12\), so \(a - b = 4\). 3. Subtract the second equation from the third: \(8a + 2b = 2\), so \(4a + b = 1\). 4. Add the two reduced equations: \(5a = 5\), so \(a = 1\). Then \(1 - b = 4\), so \(b = -3\). 5. Substitute into \(a + b + c = -2\): \(c = 0\). 6. Therefore, \(f(x) = x^2 - 3x\).

Answer

\(f(x) = x^2 - 3x\)
Find a quadratic from three points 31
Find the quadratic \(y=ax^2+bx+c\) through \(P(1,5)\), \(Q(-1,1)\), and \(R(0,2)\). Show the three linear equations obtained from the points, solve them for \(a\), \(b\), and \(c\), and state the function.

Hints

- Use the point with \(x=0\) first; it determines one coefficient immediately. - Substitute that coefficient into the other two equations before eliminating a second variable. - Check the final function against all three points, not just the two used last.

Solution

1. Substitution gives \(a+b+c=5\), \(a-b+c=1\), and \(c=2\). 2. Using \(c=2\), the first two equations become \(a+b=3\) and \(a-b=-1\). 3. Add them: \(2a=2\), so \(a=1\). 4. Then \(b=2\), and \(c=2\). 5. Therefore, \(y=x^2+2x+2\).

Answer

System: \(a+b+c=5\), \(a-b+c=1\), \(c=2\) \(a=1\), \(b=2\), \(c=2\) \(y=x^2+2x+2\)
Find a quadratic from three points 32
A parabola passes through \(A(-2, 10)\), \(B(1, 1)\), and \(C(2, 6)\). a) Write the system of linear equations used to find \(a\), \(b\), and \(c\). b) Compare the equations from \(A\) and \(C\). How can you find \(b\) directly? c) Find the quadratic function.

Hints

- Be careful with signs when substituting a negative \(x\)-value. - Which coefficients match in the equations from \(A\) and \(C\)? - Which elimination step removes two variables at once?

Solution

a) Substituting the points gives \(4a - 2b + c = 10\), \(a + b + c = 1\), and \(4a + 2b + c = 6\). b) Subtract the equation from \(A\) from the equation from \(C\): \(4b = -4\), so \(b = -1\). c) Substitute \(b = -1\) into the equations from \(B\) and \(C\): \(a + c = 2\) and \(4a + c = 8\). Subtract to get \(3a = 6\), so \(a = 2\), then \(c = 0\). Therefore, \(y = 2x^2 - x\).

Answer

a) \(4a - 2b + c = 10\), \(a + b + c = 1\), and \(4a + 2b + c = 6\) b) Subtracting the equations from \(A\) and \(C\) gives \(4b = -4\), so \(b = -1\). c) \(y = 2x^2 - x\)
Find a quadratic from three points 33
The points \(S(0, 4)\), \(T(1, 3)\), and \(U(-2, -6)\) lie on a parabola \(y = ax^2 + bx + c\). Explain the advantage provided by point \(S\), then find \(a\), \(b\), and \(c\) and write the function.

Hints

- What does \(c\) represent on the graph? - Can you simplify either equation before combining them? - Check the final equation with both \(T\) and \(U\).

Solution

1. Since \(S\) has \(x = 0\), substituting it immediately gives \(c = 4\). 2. Substitute \(T(1, 3)\): \(a + b + 4 = 3\), so \(a + b = -1\). 3. Substitute \(U(-2, -6)\): \(4a - 2b + 4 = -6\), so \(2a - b = -5\). 4. Add the two equations: \(3a = -6\), so \(a = -2\). 5. Substitute into \(a + b = -1\): \(b = 1\). 6. Therefore, \(a = -2\), \(b = 1\), \(c = 4\), and \(y = -2x^2 + x + 4\).

Answer

Point \(S(0, 4)\) gives \(c = 4\) immediately. The coefficients are \(a = -2\), \(b = 1\), and \(c = 4\), so \(y = -2x^2 + x + 4\).
Find a quadratic from three points 34
The three marked points lie on the graph of one quadratic function \(f(x)=ax^2+bx+c\). Read the coordinates from the graph, find \(f(x)\), and verify your equation with all three points. Include the three read coordinates and the verification values in your answer.
Figure for problem 554950

Hints

- Read each marker from the grid before setting up any equation. - The point on the y-axis determines the constant term immediately. - Use the remaining two points for the other coefficients, then check all three plotted coordinates.

Solution

1. The graph shows \((-2,7)\), \((0,1)\), and \((1,4)\). 2. The point \((0,1)\) gives \(c=1\). 3. The other points give \(4a-2b+1=7\) and \(a+b+1=4\), so \(2a-b=3\) and \(a+b=3\). 4. Solving gives \(a=2\) and \(b=1\), hence \(f(x)=2x^2+x+1\). 5. Check: \(f(-2)=7\), \(f(0)=1\), and \(f(1)=4\).

Answer

Points: \((-2,7)\), \((0,1)\), \((1,4)\) \(f(x)=2x^2+x+1\) Verification: \(f(-2)=7\), \(f(0)=1\), \(f(1)=4\)
Find a quadratic from three points 35
A quadratic \(y=ax^2+bx+c\) passes through \((-2,9)\), \((1,0)\), and \((3,4)\). Luis writes the first point equation as \(-2a-2b+c=9\). Identify his setup error, write the correct system, and find the quadratic.

Hints

- Substitute the entire negative x-coordinate into both \(x\) and \(x^2\) before simplifying. - Compare Luis's first equation term by term with \(a(-2)^2+b(-2)+c\). - After correcting the system, eliminate one coefficient by subtracting equations rather than relying on a y-axis shortcut.

Solution

1. Luis did not square the x-coordinate in the \(ax^2\) term. For \(x=-2\), the correct equation is \(4a-2b+c=9\). 2. The other equations are \(a+b+c=0\) and \(9a+3b+c=4\). 3. Eliminating \(c\) gives \(3a-3b=9\) and \(8a+2b=4\). 4. Solving gives \(a=1\), \(b=-2\), and \(c=1\), so \(y=x^2-2x+1\).

Answer

Luis forgot to square \(-2\) in the \(ax^2\) term. Correct system: \(4a-2b+c=9\), \(a+b+c=0\), \(9a+3b+c=4\) Quadratic: \(y=x^2-2x+1\)
Find a quadratic from three points 36
A florist models daily bouquet revenue \(R(p)\), in dollars, using the price \(p\), in dollars per bouquet. The model gives \(R(4)=160\), \(R(5)=175\), and \(R(6)=180\). Find the quadratic rule \(R(p)=ap^2+bp+c\). Then predict the revenue when bouquets cost \(\$7\) each.

Hints

- How do the revenue increases change as the price rises by the same amount each time? - What do equally spaced inputs tell you about the quadratic coefficient? - After finding a rule, does it reproduce all three stated revenue values?

Solution

1. The revenue changes by \(15\) and then \(5\) as the price increases by \(\$1\). The second difference is \(-10\), so \(2a=-10\) and \(a=-5\). 2. From \(R(4)=160\), \(-5(16)+4b+c=160\), or \(4b+c=240\). 3. From \(R(5)=175\), \(-5(25)+5b+c=175\), or \(5b+c=300\). Subtracting gives \(b=60\) and then \(c=0\). 4. The model is \(R(p)=-5p^2+60p\). It also gives \(R(6)=180\). At \(p=7\), \(R(7)=-5(49)+60(7)=175\).

Answer

\(R(p)=-5p^2+60p\); predicted daily revenue at \(\$7\) per bouquet: \(\$175\).
Find a quadratic from three points 37
Two model rockets are launched from ground level. Rocket A follows \(f(x) = -0.05x^2 + x\), where \(x\) is horizontal distance and \(f(x)\) is height, both in meters. Rocket B follows a quadratic path through \(P(0, 0)\), \(Q(5, 4)\), and \(R(10, 6)\). a) Find the function \(g(x)\) for Rocket B. b) Which rocket reaches a greater maximum height? Find both vertices. c) Which rocket travels farther horizontally? Find the positive zero of each function.

Hints

- Substitute the three points into \(g(x) = ax^2 + bx + c\). - The point \((0, 0)\) immediately determines \(c\). - Use \(x = -\frac{b}{2a}\) to find each vertex. - The horizontal range is the positive zero.

Solution

a) Let \(g(x) = ax^2 + bx + c\). Since \(P(0, 0)\) lies on the graph, \(c = 0\). Substituting \(Q(5, 4)\) and \(R(10, 6)\) gives \(25a + 5b = 4\) and \(100a + 10b = 6\). Solving yields \(a = -0.04\) and \(b = 1\), so \(g(x) = -0.04x^2 + x\). b) For Rocket A, the vertex occurs at \(x = -\frac{1}{2(-0.05)} = 10\), and \(f(10) = 5\), so its vertex is \((10, 5)\). For Rocket B, the vertex occurs at \(x = -\frac{1}{2(-0.04)} = 12.5\), and \(g(12.5) = 6.25\), so its vertex is \((12.5, 6.25)\). Rocket B reaches a greater height. c) Factoring gives \(f(x) = x(-0.05x + 1)\), so its positive zero is \(20\). Also, \(g(x) = x(-0.04x + 1)\), so its positive zero is \(25\). Rocket B travels farther.

Answer

a) \(g(x) = -0.04x^2 + x\) b) Rocket A: vertex \((10, 5)\); Rocket B: vertex \((12.5, 6.25)\). Rocket B goes higher. c) Rocket A: \(20\,\text{m}\); Rocket B: \(25\,\text{m}\). Rocket B travels farther.

All problems may be used, copied and printed free of charge for school and tutoring, including paid tutoring. Commercial adaptations as well as publication or redistribution on the internet are not permitted.