M
Math Coach Amy
Amy Ferguson Moncure

H Algebra 2/Trig · Unit 2

Write Equations from Word Problems

Match the information to a method. Three points use quadratic regression. Two zeros use root form. A given equation is ready to solve. A vertex plus a point uses vertex form.

Jump to section:

3 points: QuadReg

2 zeros: root form

equation given: solve it

vertex given: vertex form

What to Remember

Three points

Use quadratic regression when the problem gives three points and asks for the quadratic through them.

On a TI-84 Plus CE: Stat Edit, Stat Calc, 5: Quad Regression. The calculator writes standard form y = ax² + bx + c.

Two zeros

Use root form when the output is 0 at two inputs and you know one other point.

The formula is y = a(x − r)(x − s). The other point finds a.

Equation given, height

When a projectile equation is already given, solve that equation.

A squared time with no single t term calls for the square-root method. Keep the positive time.

Equation given, maximum

When a standard-form equation opens downward, the maximum is the vertex.

The formula is x = −b2a. Substitute that input to find the maximum value.

Vertex given

Use vertex form when the problem gives a maximum or a minimum and one other point.

The formula is y = a(x − h)² + k. The other point finds a.

Medium

Quadratic Regression

Three points are given. Use QuadReg on a TI-84 Plus CE, then answer the question.

Example
A coding club kept a roster for three years. There were 40 members in 2016, 55 members in 2019, and 47 members in 2023. The roster follows a quadratic model. Let x be the number of years since 2014, and let y be the number of members. What are the independent and dependent variables? Use quadratic regression on a TI-84 Plus CE to write the equation. How many members does the model predict for 2020?

Quadratic regression is a good fit. The problem gives three roster counts, and QuadReg finds the one quadratic through those points.

x is the independent variable: the number of years since 2014.

y is the dependent variable: the number of members.

The points are (2, 40), (5, 55), (9, 47).

L1L2
240
555
947

The years 2016, 2019, and 2023 are not entered into L1. x is the number of years since 2014, so L1 gets 2, 5, and 9.

Stat Edit

L1L2L3
1240
2555
3947
4
L1(4)=

Stat Calc

EDIT
CALC
TESTS
1:1-Var Stats
2:2-Var Stats
3:Med-Med
4:LinReg(ax+b)
5:QuadReg
6:CubicReg
7:QuartReg

5: Quad Regression

QuadReg
y = ax² + bx + c
a = −1
b = 12
c = 20
R² = 1

a = −1, b = 12, and c = 20.

If a value is a tiny bit off a whole number, such as −1.000000001, write −1.

The formula is

y = −x² + 12x + 20

2020 is 6 years after 2014.

y(6) = −(6)² + 12(6) + 20

y(6) = −36 + 72 + 20

y(6) = 56

Answer: x is the independent variable: the number of years since 2014.y is the dependent variable: the number of members.y = −x² + 12x + 20The model predicts 56 members.

1
A theater program kept enrollment for three years. There were 48 students in 2011, 78 students in 2014, and 62 students in 2018. Enrollment follows a quadratic model. Let x be the number of years since 2010, and let y be the number of students. What are the independent and dependent variables? Use quadratic regression on a TI-84 Plus CE to write the equation. How many students does the model predict for 2016?
Show Answer

Quadratic regression is a good fit. The problem gives three enrollment counts, and QuadReg finds the one quadratic through those points.

x is the independent variable: the number of years since 2010.

y is the dependent variable: the number of students.

The points are (1, 48), (4, 78), (8, 62).

L1L2
148
478
862

The years 2011, 2014, and 2018 are not entered into L1. x is the number of years since 2010, so L1 gets 1, 4, and 8.

Stat Edit

L1L2L3
1148
2478
3862
4
L1(4)=

Stat Calc

EDIT
CALC
TESTS
1:1-Var Stats
2:2-Var Stats
3:Med-Med
4:LinReg(ax+b)
5:QuadReg
6:CubicReg
7:QuartReg

5: Quad Regression

QuadReg
y = ax² + bx + c
a = −2
b = 20
c = 30
R² = 1

a = −2, b = 20, and c = 30.

The formula is

y = −2x² + 20x + 30

2016 is 6 years after 2010.

y(6) = −2(6)² + 20(6) + 30

y(6) = −72 + 120 + 30

y(6) = 78

Answer: x is the independent variable: the number of years since 2010.y is the dependent variable: the number of students.y = −2x² + 20x + 30The model predicts 78 students.

2
A school choir recorded its size for three years. There were 31 singers in 2013, 39 singers in 2015, and 31 singers in 2019. The size follows a quadratic model. Let x be the number of years since 2012, and let y be the number of singers. What are the independent and dependent variables? Use quadratic regression on a TI-84 Plus CE to write the equation. How many singers does the model predict for 2017?
Show Answer

Quadratic regression is a good fit. The problem gives three choir counts, and QuadReg finds the one quadratic through those points.

x is the independent variable: the number of years since 2012.

y is the dependent variable: the number of singers.

The points are (1, 31), (3, 39), (7, 31).

L1L2
131
339
731

The years 2013, 2015, and 2019 are not entered into L1. x is the number of years since 2012, so L1 gets 1, 3, and 7.

Stat Edit

L1L2L3
1131
2339
3731
4
L1(4)=

Stat Calc

EDIT
CALC
TESTS
1:1-Var Stats
2:2-Var Stats
3:Med-Med
4:LinReg(ax+b)
5:QuadReg
6:CubicReg
7:QuartReg

5: Quad Regression

QuadReg
y = ax² + bx + c
a = −1
b = 8
c = 24
R² = 1

a = −1, b = 8, and c = 24.

The formula is

y = −x² + 8x + 24

2017 is 5 years after 2012.

y(5) = −(5)² + 8(5) + 24

y(5) = −25 + 40 + 24

y(5) = 39

Answer: x is the independent variable: the number of years since 2012.y is the dependent variable: the number of singers.y = −x² + 8x + 24The model predicts 39 singers.

3
A science fair recorded participation for three years. There were 36 projects in 2017, 60 projects in 2019, and 51 projects in 2022. Participation follows a quadratic model. Let x be the number of years since 2016, and let y be the number of projects. What are the independent and dependent variables? Use quadratic regression on a TI-84 Plus CE to write the equation. How many projects does the model predict for 2020?
Show Answer

Quadratic regression is a good fit. The problem gives three project counts, and QuadReg finds the one quadratic through those points.

x is the independent variable: the number of years since 2016.

y is the dependent variable: the number of projects.

The points are (1, 36), (3, 60), (6, 51).

L1L2
136
360
651

The years 2017, 2019, and 2022 are not entered into L1. x is the number of years since 2016, so L1 gets 1, 3, and 6.

Stat Edit

L1L2L3
1136
2360
3651
4
L1(4)=

Stat Calc

EDIT
CALC
TESTS
1:1-Var Stats
2:2-Var Stats
3:Med-Med
4:LinReg(ax+b)
5:QuadReg
6:CubicReg
7:QuartReg

5: Quad Regression

QuadReg
y = ax² + bx + c
a = −3
b = 24
c = 15
R² = 1

a = −3, b = 24, and c = 15.

The formula is

y = −3x² + 24x + 15

2020 is 4 years after 2016.

y(4) = −3(4)² + 24(4) + 15

y(4) = −48 + 96 + 15

y(4) = 63

Answer: x is the independent variable: the number of years since 2016.y is the dependent variable: the number of projects.y = −3x² + 24x + 15The model predicts 63 projects.

4
A ski lodge tracked cups of cocoa for three weeks after opening day. The lodge sold 54 cups in week 1, 70 cups in week 3, and 64 cups in week 6. Sales follow a quadratic model. Let x be the week number, and let y be the number of cups. What are the independent and dependent variables? Use quadratic regression on a TI-84 Plus CE to write the equation. How many cups does the model predict for week 4?
Show Answer

Quadratic regression is a good fit. The problem gives three sales counts, and QuadReg finds the one quadratic through those points.

x is the independent variable: the week number.

y is the dependent variable: the number of cups.

The points are (1, 54), (3, 70), (6, 64).

L1L2
154
370
664

Stat Edit

L1L2L3
1154
2370
3664
4
L1(4)=

Stat Calc

EDIT
CALC
TESTS
1:1-Var Stats
2:2-Var Stats
3:Med-Med
4:LinReg(ax+b)
5:QuadReg
6:CubicReg
7:QuartReg

5: Quad Regression

QuadReg
y = ax² + bx + c
a = −2
b = 16
c = 40
R² = 1

a = −2, b = 16, and c = 40.

The formula is

y = −2x² + 16x + 40

Week 4 means x = 4.

y(4) = −2(4)² + 16(4) + 40

y(4) = −32 + 64 + 40

y(4) = 72

Answer: x is the independent variable: the week number.y is the dependent variable: the number of cups.y = −2x² + 16x + 40The model predicts 72 cups.

5
A fish ladder counted salmon for three years after a river project. Counters recorded 56 salmon in year 2, 65 salmon in year 5, and 56 salmon in year 8. The counts follow a quadratic model. Let x be the number of years since the project, and let y be the number of salmon. What are the independent and dependent variables? Use quadratic regression on a TI-84 Plus CE to write the equation. How many salmon does the model predict for year 4?
Show Answer

Quadratic regression is a good fit. The problem gives three salmon counts, and QuadReg finds the one quadratic through those points.

x is the independent variable: the number of years since the project.

y is the dependent variable: the number of salmon.

The points are (2, 56), (5, 65), (8, 56).

L1L2
256
565
856

Stat Edit

L1L2L3
1256
2565
3856
4
L1(4)=

Stat Calc

EDIT
CALC
TESTS
1:1-Var Stats
2:2-Var Stats
3:Med-Med
4:LinReg(ax+b)
5:QuadReg
6:CubicReg
7:QuartReg

5: Quad Regression

QuadReg
y = ax² + bx + c
a = −1
b = 10
c = 40
R² = 1

a = −1, b = 10, and c = 40.

The formula is

y = −x² + 10x + 40

Year 4 means x = 4.

y(4) = −(4)² + 10(4) + 40

y(4) = −16 + 40 + 40

y(4) = 64

Answer: x is the independent variable: the number of years since the project.y is the dependent variable: the number of salmon.y = −x² + 10x + 40The model predicts 64 salmon.

Medium

Root Form

The value is 0 at two inputs. Write root form, use the other point to find a, then answer the question.

Example
A model rocket is launched from the ground. It is 48 feet high after 2 seconds, and it lands after 8 seconds. Write a quadratic equation in root form for the height in feet, t seconds after launch. How high is the rocket after 5 seconds?

Root form is a good fit. The rocket is on the ground at 0 seconds and again at 8 seconds, so those times are the roots. The height at 2 seconds finds a.

th08(2, 48)

The formula is

h(t) = a(t − r)(t − s)

The zeros are t = 0 and t = 8.

h(t) = a(t − 0)(t − 8)

Substitute the known point, t = 2 and h = 48.

48 = a(2 − 0)(2 − 8)

48 = a(2)(−6)

48 = −12a

a = −4812

a = −4

h(t) = −4(t − 0)(t − 8)

Substitute t = 5.

h(5) = −4(5 − 0)(5 − 8)

h(5) = −4(5)(−3)

h(5) = 60

Answer: h(t) = −4(t − 0)(t − 8)The rocket is 60 feet high after 5 seconds.

1
A soccer ball is kicked from the ground. It is 30 feet high after 1 second, and it lands after 4 seconds. Write a quadratic equation in root form for the height in feet, t seconds after the kick. How high is the ball after 2 seconds?
Show Answer

Root form is a good fit. The ball is on the ground at 0 seconds and again at 4 seconds, so those times are the roots. The height at 1 second finds a.

th04(1, 30)

The formula is

h(t) = a(t − r)(t − s)

The zeros are t = 0 and t = 4.

h(t) = a(t − 0)(t − 4)

Substitute the known point, t = 1 and h = 30.

30 = a(1 − 0)(1 − 4)

30 = a(1)(−3)

30 = −3a

a = −303

a = −10

h(t) = −10(t − 0)(t − 4)

Substitute t = 2.

h(2) = −10(2 − 0)(2 − 4)

h(2) = −10(2)(−2)

h(2) = 40

Answer: h(t) = −10(t − 0)(t − 4)The ball is 40 feet high after 2 seconds.

2
A football is punted from the ground. It is 48 feet high after 2 seconds, and it lands after 6 seconds. Write a quadratic equation in root form for the height in feet, t seconds after the punt. How high is the ball after 3 seconds?
Show Answer

Root form is a good fit. The ball is on the ground at 0 seconds and again at 6 seconds, so those times are the roots. The height at 2 seconds finds a.

th06(2, 48)

The formula is

h(t) = a(t − r)(t − s)

The zeros are t = 0 and t = 6.

h(t) = a(t − 0)(t − 6)

Substitute the known point, t = 2 and h = 48.

48 = a(2 − 0)(2 − 6)

48 = a(2)(−4)

48 = −8a

a = −488

a = −6

h(t) = −6(t − 0)(t − 6)

Substitute t = 3.

h(3) = −6(3 − 0)(3 − 6)

h(3) = −6(3)(−3)

h(3) = 54

Answer: h(t) = −6(t − 0)(t − 6)The ball is 54 feet high after 3 seconds.

3
A firework is launched from the ground. It is 80 feet high after 2 seconds, and it returns to the ground after 10 seconds. Write a quadratic equation in root form for the height in feet, t seconds after launch. How high is the firework after 6 seconds?
Show Answer

Root form is a good fit. The firework is on the ground at 0 seconds and again at 10 seconds, so those times are the roots. The height at 2 seconds finds a.

th010(2, 80)

The formula is

h(t) = a(t − r)(t − s)

The zeros are t = 0 and t = 10.

h(t) = a(t − 0)(t − 10)

Substitute the known point, t = 2 and h = 80.

80 = a(2 − 0)(2 − 10)

80 = a(2)(−8)

80 = −16a

a = −8016

a = −5

h(t) = −5(t − 0)(t − 10)

Substitute t = 6.

h(6) = −5(6 − 0)(6 − 10)

h(6) = −5(6)(−4)

h(6) = 120

Answer: h(t) = −5(t − 0)(t − 10)The firework is 120 feet high after 6 seconds.

4
A garden arch meets the ground at both ends. The ends are 12 feet apart. The arch is 16 feet high at a point 4 feet from the left end. Let x be the distance in feet from the left end, and let h be the height in feet. Write a quadratic equation in root form. How high is the arch 6 feet from the left end?
Show Answer

Root form is a good fit. The height is 0 at both ends, x = 0 and x = 12, so those distances are the roots. The height 4 feet from the left end finds a.

xh012(4, 16)

The formula is

h(x) = a(x − r)(x − s)

The zeros are x = 0 and x = 12.

h(x) = a(x − 0)(x − 12)

Substitute the known point, x = 4 and h = 16.

16 = a(4 − 0)(4 − 12)

16 = a(4)(−8)

16 = −32a

a = −1632

a = −12

h(x) = −12(x − 0)(x − 12)

Substitute x = 6.

h(6) = −12(6 − 0)(6 − 12)

h(6) = −12(6)(−6)

h(6) = 12·36

h(6) = 362

h(6) = 18

Answer: h(x) = −12(x − 0)(x − 12)The arch is 18 feet high.

5
A fountain's stream is at pool level 2 feet from a mark and again 8 feet from that mark. The stream is 12 feet high at 4 feet from the mark. Let x be the distance in feet from the mark, and let h be the height in feet. Write a quadratic equation in root form. How high is the stream 5 feet from the mark?
Show Answer

Root form is a good fit. The height is 0 at x = 2 and at x = 8, so those distances are the roots. The height at 4 feet finds a.

xh28(4, 12)

The formula is

h(x) = a(x − r)(x − s)

The zeros are x = 2 and x = 8.

h(x) = a(x − 2)(x − 8)

Substitute the known point, x = 4 and h = 12.

12 = a(4 − 2)(4 − 8)

12 = a(2)(−4)

12 = −8a

a = −128

a = −32

h(x) = −32(x − 2)(x − 8)

Substitute x = 5.

h(5) = −32(5 − 2)(5 − 8)

h(5) = −32(3)(−3)

h(5) = 32·9

h(5) = 272

Answer: h(x) = −32(x − 2)(x − 8)The stream is 272 feet high.

Medium

Projectiles

The height equation is given. Set the height equal to the number in the question and solve.

Example
A ball is dropped from a bridge into the water. Its height in feet is h(t) = 144 − 16t², where t is the number of seconds after it is dropped. When does the ball hit the water? Sketch the graph before you use the formula.

The square-root method is a good fit. The height equation is given, and it has a squared time with no single t term. The ball hits the water when the height is 0.

The y-intercept is easy to graph, and you know the direction of the graph.

The y-intercept is (0, 144). The graph opens downward.

th(0, 144)

not drawn to scale

The formula is

h(t) = 144 − 16t²

The ball hits the water when the height is 0.

0 = 144 − 16t²

16t² = 144

t² = 14416

t² = 9

t = ± square root of 9

t = ± 3

Time is positive.

t = 3

Answer: The ball hits the water after 3 seconds.

1
A rock is dropped from a cliff. Its height in feet is h(t) = 64 − 16t², where t is the number of seconds after it is dropped. When does the rock hit the ground? Sketch the graph before you use the formula.
Show Answer

The square-root method is a good fit. The height equation is given, and it has a squared time with no single t term. The rock hits the ground when the height is 0.

The y-intercept is easy to graph, and you know the direction of the graph.

The y-intercept is (0, 64). The graph opens downward.

th(0, 64)

not drawn to scale

The formula is

h(t) = 64 − 16t²

The rock hits the ground when the height is 0.

0 = 64 − 16t²

16t² = 64

t² = 6416

t² = 4

t = ± square root of 4

t = ± 2

Time is positive.

t = 2

Answer: The rock hits the ground after 2 seconds.

2
A water balloon is dropped from a balcony. Its height in feet is h(t) = 80 − 16t², where t is the number of seconds after it is dropped. When does the balloon hit the ground? Sketch the graph before you use the formula.
Show Answer

The square-root method is a good fit. The height equation is given, and it has a squared time with no single t term. The balloon hits the ground when the height is 0.

The y-intercept is easy to graph, and you know the direction of the graph.

The y-intercept is (0, 80). The graph opens downward.

th(0, 80)

not drawn to scale

The formula is

h(t) = 80 − 16t²

The balloon hits the ground when the height is 0.

0 = 80 − 16t²

16t² = 80

t² = 8016

t² = 5

t = ± square root of 5

Time is positive.

t = square root of 5

Answer: The balloon hits the ground after square root of 5 seconds.

3
A pumpkin is dropped from a platform. Its height in feet is h(t) = 196 − 16t², where t is the number of seconds after it is dropped. When does the pumpkin hit the ground? Sketch the graph before you use the formula.
Show Answer

The square-root method is a good fit. The height equation is given, and it has a squared time with no single t term. The pumpkin hits the ground when the height is 0.

The y-intercept is easy to graph, and you know the direction of the graph.

The y-intercept is (0, 196). The graph opens downward.

th(0, 196)

not drawn to scale

The formula is

h(t) = 196 − 16t²

The pumpkin hits the ground when the height is 0.

0 = 196 − 16t²

16t² = 196

t² = 19616

t² = 494

t = ± square root of 494

t = ± 72

Time is positive.

t = 72

Answer: The pumpkin hits the ground after 72 seconds.

4
A hawk drops a stick. Its height in feet is h(t) = 256 − 16t², where t is the number of seconds after the hawk drops it. When is the stick 112 feet above the ground? Sketch the graph before you use the formula.
Show Answer

The square-root method is a good fit. The height equation is given, and it has a squared time with no single t term. The stick is at the asked height when h(t) = 112.

The y-intercept is easy to graph, and you know the direction of the graph.

The y-intercept is (0, 256). The graph opens downward.

th(0, 256)112

not drawn to scale

The formula is

h(t) = 256 − 16t²

The stick is 112 feet above the ground when the height is 112.

112 = 256 − 16t²

16t² = 256 − 112

16t² = 144

t² = 14416

t² = 9

t = ± square root of 9

t = ± 3

Time is positive.

t = 3

Answer: The stick is 112 feet above the ground after 3 seconds.

5
A lab platform starts downward from 75 feet. Its height in feet is h(t) = 75 − 3t², where t is the number of seconds after it starts down. When is the platform at ground level? Sketch the graph before you use the formula.
Show Answer

The square-root method is a good fit. The height equation is given, and it has a squared time with no single t term. The platform is at ground level when the height is 0.

The y-intercept is easy to graph, and you know the direction of the graph.

The y-intercept is (0, 75). The graph opens downward.

th(0, 75)

not drawn to scale

The formula is

h(t) = 75 − 3t²

The platform is at ground level when the height is 0.

0 = 75 − 3t²

3t² = 75

t² = 753

t² = 25

t = ± square root of 25

t = ± 5

Time is positive.

t = 5

Answer: The platform is at ground level after 5 seconds.

Medium

Maximum of a Given Equation

The equation is given in standard form, and a is negative. The maximum is the vertex.

Example
A company makes headphones. Its profit is p(x) = −2x² + 16x − 14, where p is the profit in millions of dollars and x is the number of headphones made, in thousands. How many headphones maximize the profit, and what is that profit? Sketch the graph before you use the formula.

The vertex formula is a good fit. The profit equation is in standard form, and a is negative, so the vertex is the maximum profit.

The y-intercept is easy to graph, and you know the direction of the graph.

The y-intercept is (0, −14). The graph opens downward.

xymaximum profit(0, −14)

not drawn to scale

p(x) = −2x² + 16x − 14

The formula is

x = −b2a

a = −2 and b = 16.

Substitute.

x = −16−4

x = 164

x = 4

x counts thousands of headphones.

number = 4 × 1,000

number = 4,000

Substitute x = 4.

p(4) = −2(4)² + 16(4) − 14

p(4) = −32 + 64 − 14

p(4) = 18

Answer: 4,000 headphones18 million dollars

1
A company makes tablet cases. Its profit is p(x) = −x² + 12x − 20, where p is the profit in millions of dollars and x is the number of cases made, in thousands. How many cases maximize the profit, and what is that profit? Sketch the graph before you use the formula.
Show Answer

The vertex formula is a good fit. The profit equation is in standard form, and a is negative, so the vertex is the maximum profit.

The y-intercept is easy to graph, and you know the direction of the graph.

The y-intercept is (0, −20). The graph opens downward.

xymaximum profit(0, −20)

not drawn to scale

p(x) = −x² + 12x − 20

The formula is

x = −b2a

a = −1 and b = 12.

Substitute.

x = −12−2

x = 122

x = 6

x counts thousands of cases.

number = 6 × 1,000

number = 6,000

Substitute x = 6.

p(6) = −(6)² + 12(6) − 20

p(6) = −36 + 72 − 20

p(6) = 16

Answer: 6,000 cases16 million dollars

2
A company makes water bottles. Its profit is p(x) = −3x² + 18x − 15, where p is the profit in millions of dollars and x is the number of bottles made, in thousands. How many bottles maximize the profit, and what is that profit? Sketch the graph before you use the formula.
Show Answer

The vertex formula is a good fit. The profit equation is in standard form, and a is negative, so the vertex is the maximum profit.

The y-intercept is easy to graph, and you know the direction of the graph.

The y-intercept is (0, −15). The graph opens downward.

xymaximum profit(0, −15)

not drawn to scale

p(x) = −3x² + 18x − 15

The formula is

x = −b2a

a = −3 and b = 18.

Substitute.

x = −18−6

x = 186

x = 3

x counts thousands of bottles.

number = 3 × 1,000

number = 3,000

Substitute x = 3.

p(3) = −3(3)² + 18(3) − 15

p(3) = −27 + 54 − 15

p(3) = 12

Answer: 3,000 bottles12 million dollars

3
A company makes jackets. Its profit is p(x) = −4x² + 12x − 5, where p is the profit in millions of dollars and x is the number of jackets made, in thousands. How many jackets maximize the profit, and what is that profit? Sketch the graph before you use the formula.
Show Answer

The vertex formula is a good fit. The profit equation is in standard form, and a is negative, so the vertex is the maximum profit.

The y-intercept is easy to graph, and you know the direction of the graph.

The y-intercept is (0, −5). The graph opens downward.

xymaximum profit(0, −5)

not drawn to scale

p(x) = −4x² + 12x − 5

The formula is

x = −b2a

a = −4 and b = 12.

Substitute.

x = −12−8

x = 128

x = 32

x counts thousands of jackets.

number = 32 × 1,000

number = 30002

number = 1,500

Substitute x = 32.

p(32) = −432² + 1232 − 5

32² = 94

−4 · 94 = −9

12 · 32 = 18

p(32) = −9 + 18 − 5

p(32) = 4

Answer: 1,500 jackets4 million dollars

4
A concert's profit in dollars is P(n) = −5n² + 400n − 1500, where n is the ticket price in dollars. What ticket price maximizes the profit, and what is that profit? Sketch the graph before you use the formula.
Show Answer

The vertex formula is a good fit. The profit equation is in standard form, and a is negative, so the vertex is the maximum profit.

The y-intercept is easy to graph, and you know the direction of the graph.

The y-intercept is (0, −1500). The graph opens downward.

xymaximum profit(0, −1500)

not drawn to scale

P(n) = −5n² + 400n − 1500

The formula is

n = −b2a

a = −5 and b = 400.

Substitute.

n = −400−10

n = 40010

n = 40

n is the ticket price in dollars.

Substitute n = 40.

P(40) = −5(40)² + 400(40) − 1500

P(40) = −8000 + 16000 − 1500

P(40) = 6500

Answer: ticket price = 40 dollarsmaximum profit = 6,500 dollars

5
The yield of a tomato plant is y(x) = −2x² + 24x + 6, where x is the number of plants in the row and y is the number of tomatoes on each plant. How many plants in the row give the greatest yield per plant, and what is that yield? Sketch the graph before you use the formula.
Show Answer

The vertex formula is a good fit. The yield equation is in standard form, and a is negative, so the vertex is the greatest yield.

The y-intercept is easy to graph, and you know the direction of the graph.

The y-intercept is (0, 6). The graph opens downward.

xygreatest yield(0, 6)

not drawn to scale

y(x) = −2x² + 24x + 6

The formula is

x = −b2a

a = −2 and b = 24.

Substitute.

x = −24−4

x = 244

x = 6

Substitute x = 6.

y(6) = −2(6)² + 24(6) + 6

y(6) = −72 + 144 + 6

y(6) = 78

Answer: 6 plants in the row78 tomatoes on each plant

Medium

Vertex Form

A maximum or a minimum is given, along with one other point. Write vertex form, find a, then answer the question.

Example
Tomato plants reach a maximum height of 40 cm when they are spaced 12 cm apart. They grow 31 cm tall when they are spaced 15 cm apart. Let x be the spacing in centimeters, and let y be the height in centimeters. Write a quadratic equation in vertex form. How tall are the plants when they are spaced 10 cm apart?

Vertex form is a good fit. The greatest height is 40 cm, and it happens at a spacing of 12 cm, so (12, 40) is the vertex. The height at 15 cm finds a.

The formula is

y = a(x − h)² + k

The vertex is (12, 40).

y(x) = a(x − 12)² + 40

Substitute (15, 31).

31 = a(15 − 12)² + 40

31 = a(3)² + 40

31 = 9a + 40

31 − 40 = 9a

−9 = 9a

a = −99

a = −1

y(x) = −(x − 12)² + 40

Substitute x = 10.

y(10) = −(10 − 12)² + 40

y(10) = −(−2)² + 40

(−2)² = 4

y(10) = −4 + 40

y(10) = 36

Answer: y(x) = −(x − 12)² + 40The plants are 36 cm tall.

1
Sunflowers reach a minimum height of 18 inches when they are spaced 6 inches apart. They grow 68 inches tall when they are spaced 11 inches apart. Let x be the spacing in inches, and let y be the height in inches. Write a quadratic equation in vertex form. How tall are the plants when they are spaced 4 inches apart?
Show Answer

Vertex form is a good fit. The least height is 18 inches, and it happens at a spacing of 6 inches, so (6, 18) is the vertex. The height at 11 inches finds a.

The formula is

y = a(x − h)² + k

The vertex is (6, 18).

y(x) = a(x − 6)² + 18

Substitute (11, 68).

68 = a(11 − 6)² + 18

68 = a(5)² + 18

68 = 25a + 18

68 − 18 = 25a

50 = 25a

a = 5025

a = 2

y(x) = 2(x − 6)² + 18

Substitute x = 4.

y(4) = 2(4 − 6)² + 18

y(4) = 2(−2)² + 18

(−2)² = 4

2 · 4 = 8

y(4) = 8 + 18

y(4) = 26

Answer: y(x) = 2(x − 6)² + 18The plants are 26 inches tall.

2
Bean plants reach a maximum height of 36 cm when they are spaced 10 cm apart. They grow 18 cm tall when they are spaced 13 cm apart. Let x be the spacing in centimeters, and let y be the height in centimeters. Write a quadratic equation in vertex form. How tall are the plants when they are spaced 8 cm apart?
Show Answer

Vertex form is a good fit. The greatest height is 36 cm, and it happens at a spacing of 10 cm, so (10, 36) is the vertex. The height at 13 cm finds a.

The formula is

y = a(x − h)² + k

The vertex is (10, 36).

y(x) = a(x − 10)² + 36

Substitute (13, 18).

18 = a(13 − 10)² + 36

18 = a(3)² + 36

18 = 9a + 36

18 − 36 = 9a

−18 = 9a

a = −189

a = −2

y(x) = −2(x − 10)² + 36

Substitute x = 8.

y(8) = −2(8 − 10)² + 36

y(8) = −2(−2)² + 36

(−2)² = 4

−2 · 4 = −8

y(8) = −8 + 36

y(8) = 28

Answer: y(x) = −2(x − 10)² + 36The plants are 28 cm tall.

3
Pepper plants reach a minimum height of 10 cm when they are spaced 14 cm apart. They grow 18 cm tall when they are spaced 18 cm apart. Let x be the spacing in centimeters, and let y be the height in centimeters. Write a quadratic equation in vertex form. How tall are the plants when they are spaced 8 cm apart?
Show Answer

Vertex form is a good fit. The least height is 10 cm, and it happens at a spacing of 14 cm, so (14, 10) is the vertex. The height at 18 cm finds a.

The formula is

y = a(x − h)² + k

The vertex is (14, 10).

y(x) = a(x − 14)² + 10

Substitute (18, 18).

18 = a(18 − 14)² + 10

18 = a(4)² + 10

18 = 16a + 10

18 − 10 = 16a

8 = 16a

a = 816

a = 12

y(x) = 12(x − 14)² + 10

Substitute x = 8.

y(8) = 12(8 − 14)² + 10

y(8) = 12(−6)² + 10

(−6)² = 36

12 · 36 = 18

y(8) = 18 + 10

y(8) = 28

Answer: y(x) = 12(x − 14)² + 10The plants are 28 cm tall.

4
A ball is thrown upward from a deck. Its maximum height is 24 feet at 2 seconds. At 3 seconds, the height is 20 feet. Let t be the time in seconds, and let h be the height in feet. Write a quadratic equation in vertex form. How high was the ball when it was released, at 0 seconds?
Show Answer

Vertex form is a good fit. The greatest height is 24 feet, and it happens at 2 seconds, so (2, 24) is the vertex. The height at 3 seconds finds a.

The formula is

y = a(x − h)² + k

The vertex is (2, 24).

h(t) = a(t − 2)² + 24

Substitute (3, 20).

20 = a(3 − 2)² + 24

20 = a(1)² + 24

20 = a + 24

20 − 24 = a

−4 = a

a = −4

h(t) = −4(t − 2)² + 24

Substitute t = 0.

h(0) = −4(0 − 2)² + 24

h(0) = −4(−2)² + 24

(−2)² = 4

−4 · 4 = −16

h(0) = −16 + 24

h(0) = 8

Answer: h(t) = −4(t − 2)² + 24The ball was 8 feet high when it was released.

5
A coffee shop's muffin profit is greatest at 480 dollars when a muffin costs 4 dollars. When a muffin costs 6 dollars, the profit is 320 dollars. Let x be the price in dollars, and let P be the profit in dollars. Write a quadratic equation in vertex form. What is the profit when a muffin costs 3 dollars?
Show Answer

Vertex form is a good fit. The greatest profit is 480 dollars, and it happens at a price of 4 dollars, so (4, 480) is the vertex. The profit at 6 dollars finds a.

The formula is

y = a(x − h)² + k

The vertex is (4, 480).

P(x) = a(x − 4)² + 480

Substitute (6, 320).

320 = a(6 − 4)² + 480

320 = a(2)² + 480

320 = 4a + 480

320 − 480 = 4a

−160 = 4a

a = −1604

a = −40

P(x) = −40(x − 4)² + 480

Substitute x = 3.

P(3) = −40(3 − 4)² + 480

P(3) = −40(−1)² + 480

(−1)² = 1

−40 · 1 = −40

P(3) = −40 + 480

P(3) = 440

Answer: P(x) = −40(x − 4)² + 480The profit is 440 dollars.

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