Math Problem Statement

Given the graph of the quadratic function f(x) = ax^2 + bx + c, determine the values of a, b, and c.

Solution

The image shows a graph of a quadratic function f(x)=ax2+bx+cf(x) = ax^2 + bx + c and asks to determine the values of aa, bb, and cc. From the graph, we observe a parabola that opens downwards and has the following key points:

  • Vertex at (2,4)(2, 4)
  • The x-intercepts at x=0x = 0 and x=4x = 4

Step-by-Step Solution

  1. Determine the equation format:
    The vertex form of a quadratic function is: f(x)=a(xh)2+kf(x) = a(x - h)^2 + k where (h,k)(h, k) is the vertex. Here, the vertex is (2,4)(2, 4), so: f(x)=a(x2)2+4f(x) = a(x - 2)^2 + 4

  2. Use x-intercepts to find aa:
    The x-intercepts are at x=0x = 0 and x=4x = 4, so: f(0)=0andf(4)=0f(0) = 0 \quad \text{and} \quad f(4) = 0

    Substitute x=0x = 0 into the vertex form: 0=a(02)2+4    0=a(4)+4    4=4a    a=10 = a(0 - 2)^2 + 4 \implies 0 = a(4) + 4 \implies -4 = 4a \implies a = -1

  3. Find the standard form coefficients:

    Now that we have a=1a = -1, substitute aa back into the vertex form: f(x)=1(x2)2+4f(x) = -1(x - 2)^2 + 4

    Expand to convert it to standard form: f(x)=1(x24x+4)+4f(x) = -1(x^2 - 4x + 4) + 4 f(x)=x2+4x4+4f(x) = -x^2 + 4x - 4 + 4 f(x)=x2+4xf(x) = -x^2 + 4x

    Therefore, the coefficients are: a=1,  b=4,  c=0a = -1, \; b = 4, \; c = 0

Conclusion

  • a=1a = -1
  • b=4b = 4
  • c=0c = 0

Would you like more details, or have any questions?

Here are 5 related questions to consider:

  1. How do you find the vertex of a parabola from its equation?
  2. What is the axis of symmetry for the quadratic function given?
  3. How does changing the value of aa affect the graph of a quadratic function?
  4. What is the significance of the discriminant in quadratic equations?
  5. Can you convert any quadratic function into vertex form?

Tip: Practice plotting different quadratic functions to understand how each coefficient affects the shape and position of the parabola.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Quadratic Functions
Vertex Form
Factoring
Graph Interpretation

Formulas

f(x) = ax^2 + bx + c
Vertex form: f(x) = a(x-h)^2 + k

Theorems

Quadratic Equation Theorem
Factoring Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-11