Find Equation of Quadratic Function Given by its Graph
We continue the study of Quadratic functions and here we show by an example how to find the equation of a quadratic function given by its graph.
You may also be interested in tutorials on quadratic functions , graphing quadratic functions.
Two links related to the study of quadratic functions are shown below.
E - Exercises: Find the equation of a quadratic function given its graph
As an exercise you are asked to find the equation of a quadratic function whose graph is shown in the applet and write it in the form f(x) = a x 2 + b x + c .You may also USE this applet to Find Quadratic Function Given its Graph generate as many graphs and therefore questions, as you wish. The answer is given by the same applet.
Example: Find the graph of the quadratic function f whose graph is shown below.
Solution
There are several methods to answer the above question but all of them have one idea in common: you need to understand and then select the right information from the graph.
method 1:
The above graph has two x intercepts at (-3,0) and (-1,0) and a y intercept at (0,6) . The x coordinates of the x intercepts can be used to write the equation of function f as follows:
f(x) = a(x + 3)(x + 1)
We now use the y intercept f(0) = 6
6 = a(0 + 3)(0 + 1)
and solve for a to find a = 2 . The formula for the quadratic function f is given by :
f(x) = 2(x + 3)(x + 1) = 2 x 2 + 8 x + 6
method 2:
The above parabola has a vertex at (-2 , -2) and a y intercept at (0,6) . The standard (or vertex) form of a quadratic function f can be written
f(x) = a(x + 2) 2 - 2
We use the y intercept f(0) = 6
6 = a(0 + 2) 2 - 2 . Solve for a to find a = 2 . The formula for the quadratic function f is given by :
f(x) = 2(x + 2) 2 - 2 = 2 x 2 + 8 x + 6
method 3:
Since a quadratic function has the form
f(x) = a x 2 + b x + c
we need 3 points on the graph of f in order to write 3 equations and solve for a , b and c .
The following points are on the graph of f
(-3 , 0) , (-1 , 0) and (0 , 6)
point (0 , 6) gives
f(0) = 6 = a * 0 2 + b * 0 + c = c
solve for c to obtain c = 6
The two other points give two more equations
(-3 , 0) gives f(-3) = a * (-3) 2 + b * (-3) + 6
which leads to 9 a - 3 b + 6 = 0
and (-1 , 0) gives f(-3) = a (-1) 2 + b * (-1) + 6
which becomes a - b + 6 = 0
Solve the last two equations in a and b to obtain
a = 2 and b = 8 and gives
f(x) = 2 x 2 + 8 x + 6
You may now USE this applet to Find Quadratic Function Given its Graph generate as many graphs and therefore questions, as you wish. The answer is given by the same applet.
Continue to Page 1 (quadratic Functions - General form)
Continue to Page 3 (Explore the product of two linear functions)
More on quadratic functions and related topics
Find Vertex and Intercepts of Quadratic Functions - Calculator: An applet to solve calculate the vertex and x and y intercepts of the graph of a quadratic function.
Tutorial on Quadratic Functions (1).
Quadratic Functions - Problems (1).
graphing quadratic functions .
quadratic functions in vertex form .
Quadratic Functions Transformations
Derivatives of Quadratic Functions: Explore the quadratic function f(x) = ax 2 + b x + c and its derivative graphically and analytically.
Match Quadratic Functions to Graphs. Excellent activity where quadratic functions are matched to graphs.