Question 17·Medium·Nonlinear Functions
The graph of the quadratic function is shown.
Which choice gives an equation for ?
When a quadratic’s graph shows its -intercepts, write the function in factored form using those roots. Then use one additional point on the graph (often the -intercept) to solve for the leading coefficient . This avoids expanding and keeps the algebra simple.
Hints
Start with the intercepts
Use the two points where the graph crosses the -axis to write in the form .
Use the y-intercept
Plug in the -intercept by using to create an equation you can solve for .
Check the sign
Decide whether should be positive or negative based on whether the parabola opens upward or downward.
Desmos Guide
Enter a factored form with a slider
Type so Desmos creates a slider for .
Plot the y-intercept from the graph
Plot the point by typing .
Adjust to match the graph
Move the slider for until the parabola passes through and opens downward (matching the graph). The displayed value of determines the equation.
Step-by-step Explanation
Use the x-intercepts to write a factored form
The graph shows -intercepts at and , so the quadratic can be written as
for some constant .
Use the y-intercept to find
The graph shows the -intercept is , so .
Substitute into :
So .
Substitute into the equation
Substituting gives
So the correct choice is .