Intermediate Algebra: Connecting Concepts through Application

Published by Brooks Cole
ISBN 10: 0-53449-636-9
ISBN 13: 978-0-53449-636-4

Chapter 4 - Quadratic Functions - 4.1 Quadratic Functions and Parabolas - 4.1 Exercises - Page 303: 47

Answer

$f(x)=-2x^2+2$

Work Step by Step

This question is asking us to design a parabola with two horizontal intercepts. Let's consider the vertex of the parabola is $(0,2)$.Then we can write the parabola in the vertex form: $$\begin{aligned} f(x) &= a(x-h)^2+k\\ &=a(x-0)^2+2\\ &=ax^2+2. \end{aligned}$$ Because we took the vertex above the $x$-axis, let's take $a<0$ so that the parabola opens downward and therefore intersects the $x$-axis twice. For example ley $a=-2$: $$\begin{aligned} f(x) &= -2x^2+ 2. \end{aligned}$$ See the graph.
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