Name Math 133 Un

Name Math133 Un

Solve the following quadratic equation by factoring:

a) 0.276x^2 = 0

b) Solve the quadratic equation 3x^2 + 2x – 16 = 0 using the quadratic formula.

Use the graph of y = x^2 + 4x - 5 to answer the following:

a) Without solving the equation or factoring, determine the solution(s) to the equation, 0.54x^2 = 0, using only the graph.

b) Does this function have a maximum or a minimum?

c) What are the coordinates of the vertex in (x, y) form?

d) What is the equation of the line of symmetry for this parabola?

The profit function for Wannamaker Trophies is P(x) = -0.4x^2 + fx - m, where f represents the design fee for a customer’s awards and m represents the monthly office rent. Also, P represents the monthly profit in dollars of the small business where x is the number of awards designed in that month.

a) If $80 is charged for a design fee, and the monthly studio rent is $1,600; write an equation for the profit, P, in terms of x. (Typing hint: Type x-squared as x^2)

b) How much is the profit when 50 award designs are sold in a month? Show your work here.

c) How many award designs must be sold in order to maximize the profit? Show your work algebraically. (Trial and error is not an appropriate method of solution – use methods taught in class.)

d) What is the maximum profit? Show your work here.

Graph the equation on the graph by completing the table and plotting the points. You may use Excel or another web-based graphing utility.

a) y = x^2 – 6x. Use the values of x provided in the table to find the y values.

x y

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

Quadratic equations are fundamental components of algebra, involving polynomials of degree two. They are prevalent in various fields such as physics, engineering, and economics. Solving quadratic equations can be achieved through several methods, including factoring, using the quadratic formula, completing the square, and graphing.

In this paper, we will explore solving a quadratic equation by factoring, analyze a function graphically to determine solutions and extrema, formulate a profit function in context, and analyze a quadratic function through data plotting. These exercises highlight the application of algebraic and graphical techniques to interpret and solve real-world problems involving quadratic functions.

Solving Quadratic Equations

The first quadratic equation to solve is 0.276x^2 = 0. This simplifies to x^2 = 0, which has the solution x = 0. The solution is found by setting the quadratic to zero and solving for x. Factoring is straightforward in this case, as the equation factors to x^2 = 0, giving x = 0 as the only root. This indicates a single solution where the parabola crosses the x-axis at x=0.

The next quadratic, 3x^2 + 2x – 16 = 0, is more complex. Using the quadratic formula, x = [-b ± √(b^2 – 4ac)] / 2a, where a=3, b=2, c=–16. Substituting these values gives:

x = [–2 ± √(2^2 – 43(–16))] / (2*3)

x = [–2 ± √(4 + 192)] / 6

x = [–2 ± √196] / 6

x = [–2 ± 14] / 6

This yields two solutions:

x = (–2 + 14)/6 = 12/6 = 2

x = (–2 – 14)/6 = –16/6 = –8/3

Hence, the solutions are x = 2 and x = –8/3.

Graphical Analysis of the Function y = x^2 + 4x – 5

Using the graph to determine solutions involves observing where the parabola intersects the x-axis. The solutions to the equation y=0 are the x-coordinates where the parabola crosses the x-axis. From the graph, these points are at x = –5 and x=1, indicating these are roots of the quadratic equation.

By examining the graph, it is apparent that the parabola opens upward (since the coefficient of x^2 is positive), which means it has a minimum point at its vertex, and no maximum point. The vertex appears to be at the lowest point of the parabola.

The coordinates of the vertex can be found using the vertex formula x = –b/2a, where a=1 and b=4 for the quadratic y=x^2 +4x – 5. Calculating:

x = –4 / (2*1) = –2

To find y at x=–2:

y = (–2)^2 + 4(–2) – 5 = 4 – 8 – 5 = –9

Thus, the vertex is at (–2, –9).

The line of symmetry for the parabola is the vertical line passing through the vertex, so x=–2.

Analyzing the Profit Function P(x)

The profit function P(x) = –0.4x^2 + fx – m models the monthly profit of a small business based on the number of awards designed, x. When f = 80 and m=1600, the function becomes:

P(x) = –0.4x^2 + 80x – 1600

To find the profit when 50 awards are sold, substitute x=50 into the equation:

P(50) = –0.4(50)^2 + 80(50) – 1600

P(50) = –0.4(2500) + 4000 – 1600 = –1000 + 4000 – 1600 = 1400

The profit when 50 awards are sold is $1,400.

To maximize profit, find the vertex of the quadratic P(x). Since the quadratic is in standard form with a negative leading coefficient, its vertex yields the maximum point. Using x = –b / 2a, where a = –0.4 and b=80:

x = –80 / (2 * –0.4) = –80 / –0.8 = 100

Therefore, the business maximizes profit when 100 awards are sold.

The maximum profit can be calculated by substituting x=100 into the profit function:

P(100) = –0.4(100)^2 + 80(100) – 1600 = –0.4(10,000) + 8000 – 1600 = –4000 + 8000 – 1600 = 2000

Hence, the maximum profit is $2,000.

Graphing y = x^2 – 6x

The parabola y=x^2 – 6x can be analyzed by creating a table of x and y values. For example:

  • When x=0, y=0 – 0=0
  • When x=1, y=1 – 6= –5
  • When x=2, y=4 – 12= –8
  • When x=3, y=9 – 18= –9
  • When x=4, y=16 – 24= –8
  • When x=5, y=25 – 30= –5
  • When x=6, y=36 – 36= 0

Plotting these points forms a parabola opening upward with vertex around x=3, y=–9, which confirms the symmetry and the shape of the parabola.

Conclusion

This analysis of quadratic equations through factoring, quadratic formula, graphing, and problem context underlines the versatility of quadratic functions in solving algebraic problems and modeling real-world scenarios. These methods provide comprehensive approaches for understanding the behavior of quadratic functions, identifying solutions, and maximizing or minimizing their values, essential for advanced mathematics and applications in various fields.

References

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  • Whitney, C. (2016). Applications of Quadratic Functions. Math Learning Center.

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