Not expanding the squared term

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 75 views

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Introduction

In mathematics, quadratic functions are a fundamental concept in algebra and are used to model various real-world phenomena. A quadratic function is a polynomial function of degree two, which means the highest power of the variable is two. The standard form of a quadratic function is given by the equation $y = ax^2 + bx + c$ , where $a$ , $b$ , and $c$ are constants. In this article, we will re-write the given quadratic function $y = -(x-5)^2 + 1$ in standard form.

Understanding the Given Quadratic Function

The given quadratic function is $y = -(x-5)^2 + 1$ . This function is in the form of a vertex form, which is $y = a(x-h)^2 + k$ , where $(h,k)$ is the vertex of the parabola. In this case, the vertex is $(5,1)$ . To re-write this function in standard form, we need to expand the squared term and simplify the expression.

Expanding the Squared Term

To expand the squared term, we need to use the formula $(x-h)^2 = x^2 - 2hx + h^2$ . In this case, $h = 5$ , so we have:

$-(x-5)^2 = -(x^2 - 2(5)x + 5^2)$

Expanding the squared term, we get:

$-(x^2 - 10x + 25)$

Simplifying the Expression

Now, we need to simplify the expression by distributing the negative sign to the terms inside the parentheses:

$-(x^2 - 10x + 25) = -x^2 + 10x - 25$

Adding the Constant Term

The given quadratic function has a constant term of $1$ , which we need to add to the expression:

$-x^2 + 10x - 25 + 1$

Simplifying the expression, we get:

$-x^2 + 10x - 24$

Conclusion

In this article, we re-wrote the quadratic function $y = -(x-5)^2 + 1$ in standard form. We expanded the squared term, simplified the expression, and added the constant term to get the standard form of the quadratic function, which is $-x^2 + 10x - 24$ . This standard form is useful for graphing the parabola and finding the x-intercepts.

Applications of Quadratic Functions

Quadratic functions have numerous applications in various fields, including physics, engineering, economics, and computer science. Some of the applications of quadratic functions include:

Projectile Motion: Quadratic functions are used to model the trajectory of projectiles, such as the flight of a ball or the trajectory of a rocket.
Optimization: Quadratic functions are used to optimize functions, such as finding the maximum or minimum value of a function.
Game Theory: Quadratic functions are used to model the payoffs in game theory, such as the Prisoner's Dilemma.
Computer Graphics: Quadratic functions are used to create 3D models and animations.

Tips for Working with Quadratic Functions

When working with quadratic functions, it's essential to remember the following tips:

Use the vertex form: The vertex form of a quadratic function is $y = a(x-h)^2 + k$ , where $(h,k)$ is the vertex of the parabola.
Expand the squared term: To expand the squared term, use the formula $(x-h)^2 = x^2 - 2hx + h^2$ .
Simplify the expression: Simplify the expression by distributing the negative sign to the terms inside the parentheses.
Add the constant term: Add the constant term to the expression to get the standard form of the quadratic function.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When working with quadratic functions, it's essential to avoid the following common mistakes:

Not expanding the squared term: Failing to expand the squared term can lead to incorrect results.
Not simplifying the expression: Failing to simplify the expression can lead to incorrect results.
Not adding the constant term: Failing to add the constant term can lead to incorrect results.

Conclusion

In conclusion, re-writing the quadratic function $y = -(x-5)^2 + 1$ in standard form requires expanding the squared term, simplifying the expression, and adding the constant term. This standard form is useful for graphing the parabola and finding the x-intercepts. Quadratic functions have numerous applications in various fields, and it's essential to remember the tips and common mistakes to avoid when working with quadratic functions.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is a quadratic function?

A: A quadratic function is a polynomial function of degree two, which means the highest power of the variable is two. The standard form of a quadratic function is given by the equation $y = ax^2 + bx + c$ , where $a$ , $b$ , and $c$ are constants.

Q: What is the vertex form of a quadratic function?

A: The vertex form of a quadratic function is $y = a(x-h)^2 + k$ , where $(h,k)$ is the vertex of the parabola.

Q: How do I expand the squared term in a quadratic function?

A: To expand the squared term, use the formula $(x-h)^2 = x^2 - 2hx + h^2$ . For example, if you have the quadratic function $y = -(x-5)^2 + 1$ , you would expand the squared term as follows:

$-(x-5)^2 = -(x^2 - 2(5)x + 5^2)$

Expanding the squared term, you get:

$-(x^2 - 10x + 25)$

Q: How do I simplify the expression in a quadratic function?

A: To simplify the expression, distribute the negative sign to the terms inside the parentheses. For example, if you have the quadratic function $y = -x^2 + 10x - 25$ , you would simplify the expression as follows:

$-x^2 + 10x - 25 = -x^2 + 10x - 25$

Q: What is the standard form of a quadratic function?

A: The standard form of a quadratic function is $y = ax^2 + bx + c$ , where $a$ , $b$ , and $c$ are constants.

Q: How do I find the x-intercepts of a quadratic function?

A: To find the x-intercepts of a quadratic function, set the function equal to zero and solve for $x$ . For example, if you have the quadratic function $y = -x^2 + 10x - 24$ , you would set the function equal to zero and solve for $x$ as follows:

$-x^2 + 10x - 24 = 0$

Solving for $x$ , you get:

$x = 6$ or $x = 4$

Q: What are some common mistakes to avoid when working with quadratic functions?

A: Some common mistakes to avoid when working with quadratic functions include:

Not expanding the squared term
Not simplifying the expression
Not adding the constant term
Not using the correct formula for the vertex form
Not using the correct formula for the standard form

Q: What are some real-world applications of quadratic functions?

A: Some real-world applications of quadratic functions include:

Projectile motion
Optimization
Game theory
Computer graphics

Q: How do I graph a quadratic function?

A: To graph a quadratic function, use the following steps:

Find the vertex of the parabola
Find the x-intercepts of the parabola
Plot the vertex and x-intercepts on a coordinate plane
Draw a smooth curve through the points

Q: What is the difference between a quadratic function and a linear function?

A: A quadratic function is a polynomial function of degree two, while a linear function is a polynomial function of degree one. The standard form of a quadratic function is $y = ax^2 + bx + c$ , while the standard form of a linear function is $y = mx + b$ .

Q: Can I use a quadratic function to model a real-world phenomenon?

A: Yes, you can use a quadratic function to model a real-world phenomenon. For example, you can use a quadratic function to model the trajectory of a projectile, the growth of a population, or the cost of a product.

Q: How do I determine the domain and range of a quadratic function?

A: To determine the domain and range of a quadratic function, use the following steps:

Find the vertex of the parabola
Find the x-intercepts of the parabola
Determine the direction of the parabola (upward or downward)
Determine the minimum or maximum value of the function

Q: Can I use a quadratic function to solve a system of equations?

A: Yes, you can use a quadratic function to solve a system of equations. For example, you can use a quadratic function to solve a system of linear equations or a system of nonlinear equations.

Q: How do I use a quadratic function to optimize a function?

A: To use a quadratic function to optimize a function, use the following steps:

Define the function to be optimized
Find the vertex of the parabola
Determine the direction of the parabola (upward or downward)
Determine the minimum or maximum value of the function

Q: Can I use a quadratic function to model a periodic phenomenon?

A: Yes, you can use a quadratic function to model a periodic phenomenon. For example, you can use a quadratic function to model the motion of a pendulum or the vibration of a spring.