2. Chapter 3: Polynomial Functions
3.1 Complex Numbers
3.2 Quadratic Functions and Graphs
3.3 Quadratic Equations and Inequalities
3.4 Further Applications of Quadratic Functions and Models
3.5 Higher-Degree Polynomial Functions and Graphs
3.6 Topics in the Theory of Polynomial Functions (I)
3.7 Topics in the Theory of Polynomial Functions (II)
3.8 Polynomial Equations and Inequalities; Further Applications and Models

3. 3.2 Quadratic Functions and Graphs
Quadratic Functions are polynomial functions, discussed later.
P is often used to represent a polynomial function.
A function defined by
with a  0, is called a quadratic function.

4. 3.2 Quadratic Functions and Graphs
Recall
is the graph of stretched or shrunk and shifted horizontally and vertically.
Example

5. 3.2 Completing the Square Rewrite in the form Completing The Square
Divide each side of the equation by a so that the coefficient of is 1.
Add to each side.
Add to each side the square of half the coefficient of x---that is, add
Factor the right side as the square of a binomial and combine terms on the left.
Isolate the term involving P(x) on the left.
Multiply each side by a.

6. 3.2 Example of Completing the Square
Divide by 2 to make the coefficient of x2 equal to 1.
Add 8 to both sides.
Add [½·2]2 to both sides to complete the square on the right.
Combine terms on the left; factor on the right.
Subtract 9 from both sides.
Multiply both sides by 2.

7. 3.2 Example of Completing the Square
From we can determine several components of the graph of

8. 3.2 Graphs of Quadratic Functions
Transform into
P has vertex (-3,1), so the
graph of f (x) = x2 is shifted left
3 and up 1.
The coefficient of (x+3)2 is –1,
so the graph opens downward.
- y-intercept: (0,–8)
Axis of symmetry: line x = -3
Domain: (-,); Range: (-,1]
increasing: (-,-3]; decreasing: [-3,)

9. 3.2 Graph of P(x) = a(x-h)2 + k
One method to determine the coordinates of the vertex is to complete the square.
Rather than go through the procedure for each individual function, we generalize the result for P(x) = ax² + bx + c.
Consider the graph of
The graph is a parabola with vertex (h,k), and vertical line x = h as axis of symmetry.
The graph opens upward if a > 0 and downward if a < 0.
The graph is wider than the graph of and narrower than the graph of

10. 3.2 Vertex Formula for Parabola P(x) = ax² + bx + c (a  0)
Standard form
Replace P(x) with y to simplify notation.
Divide by a.
Subtract
Add
Combine terms on the left; factor on the right.
Get y-term alone on the left.
Multiply by a and write in the form

11. 3.2 Vertex Formula The vertex of the graph of is the point
Example Use the vertex formula to find the coordinates of the vertex of
the graph of
Analytic Solution
Thus the coordinates of the vertex are
The vertex of the graph of is the point

12. 3.2 Extreme Values The vertex of the graph of is the
lowest point on the graph if a > 0, or
highest point on the graph if a < 0.
Such points are called extreme points (also extrema, singular: extremum).
For the quadratic function defined by
if a > 0, the vertex (h,k) is called the minimum point of the graph. The minimum value of the function is P(h) = k.
if a < 0, the vertex (h,k) is called the maximum point of the graph. The maximum value of the function is P(h) = k.

13. 3.2 Identifying Extreme Points and Extreme Values
Example Give the coordinates of the extreme point and the
corresponding maximum or minimum value for each function.
(a) (b)
The vertex of the graph is (–1,–18). Since a > 0, the minimum point is (–1,–18), and the minimum value is –18.
The vertex of the graph is (–3,1). Since a < 0, the maximum point is (–3,1), and the maximum value is 1.

14. 3.2 Finding Extrema with the Graphing Calculator
Let
One technique is to use the fmin function. We get the
x-value where the minimum occurs. The y-value is found by substitution.
Figure 14 pg 3-20b

15. 3.2 Height of a Propelled Object
The coefficient of t ² (that is, 16), is a constant based on the gravitational force of Earth. This constant varies on other surfaces, such as the moon or the other planets.
Height of a Propelled Object
If air resistance is neglected, the height s (in feet) of an object projected directly upward from an initial height
s0 feet with initial velocity v0 feet per second is
where t is the number of seconds after the object is projected.

16. 3.2 Solving a Problem Involving Projectile Motion
A ball is thrown directly upward from an initial height of 100 feet with
an initial velocity of 80 feet per second.
Give the function that describes height in terms of time t.
Graph this function.
The cursor in part (b) is at the point (4.8,115.36). What does this mean?
After 4.8 seconds, the object will be at a height of feet.

17. 3.2 Solving a Problem Involving Projectile Motion
(d) After how many seconds does the projectile reach its maximum height?
For what interval of time is the height of the ball greater than
160 feet?
Figure 19 pg 3-24
Using the graphs, t must be between .92 and 4.08 seconds.

18. 3.2 Solving a Problem Involving Projectile Motion
(f) After how many seconds will the ball fall to the ground?
Figure 21 pg 3-25
When the ball hits the ground, its height will be 0, so we need to find the positive x-intercept. From the graph, the x-intercept is about 6.04, so the ball will reach the ground 6.04 seconds after it is projected.