Question 128·Medium·Nonlinear Functions
The graph shows the function .
Which choice gives an equation for ?
When a parabola’s -intercepts are visible, write the function in factored form using those intercepts first. Then use one more clear point from the graph (often the -intercept) to solve for the scale factor ; this avoids unnecessary expanding and keeps the work to a few quick steps.
Hints
Start with the zeros
Look for where the graph crosses the -axis. Those -values are the zeros of .
Use factored form
If the zeros are and , you can write for some constant .
Find the constant multiplier
Use the -intercept (where ) to solve for .
Desmos Guide
Create a model with a slider
Enter and make a slider.
Use the y-intercept from the graph
From the given graph, note the -intercept is . In Desmos, check the value of the function at (you can type or look at the point on the curve when ).
Adjust to match the intercept
Move the slider until the graph passes through . Then use that value of to write the equation in the form (and match it to the choices).
Step-by-step Explanation
Use the x-intercepts to write a factored form
The graph crosses the -axis at and , so the zeros are and .
That means
for some constant .
Use another point on the graph to find
The graph shows the point (the -intercept).
Substitute and into :
So .
Write the equation and match to a choice
Substitute :
So the correct choice is .