Understanding the Significance of the Vertex

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 18 views

Introduction

In mathematics, a quadratic function is a polynomial function of degree two, which means the highest power of the variable is two. The general form of a quadratic function is given by $$f(x) = ax^2 + bx + c$$, where $$a$$, $$b$$, and $$c$$ are constants. The vertex of a quadratic function is the maximum or minimum point on the graph of the function. In this article, we will determine the vertex of the function $$f(x) = 3x^2 - 6x + 13$$.

Identifying the Values of $$a$$ and $$b$$

To determine the vertex of the function, we need to identify the values of $$a$$ and $$b$$ in the quadratic function. In the given function $$f(x) = 3x^2 - 6x + 13$$, we can see that $$a = 3$$ and $$b = -6$$.

Finding the $$x$$-coordinate of the Vertex

The $$x$$-coordinate of the vertex of a quadratic function can be found using the formula $$x = -\frac{b}{2a}$$. Plugging in the values of $$a$$ and $$b$$, we get:

x = -\frac{-6}{2(3)}

x = -\frac{-6}{6}

x = 1

Finding the $$y$$-coordinate of the Vertex

Now that we have the $$x$$-coordinate of the vertex, we can find the $$y$$-coordinate by plugging the value of $$x$$ into the function:

f(1) = 3(1)^2 - 6(1) + 13

f(1) = 3 - 6 + 13

f(1) = 10

Conclusion

In conclusion, the vertex of the function $$f(x) = 3x^2 - 6x + 13$$ is at the point $$(1, 10)$$. This means that the maximum or minimum point on the graph of the function is at the point $$(1, 10)$$. The $$x$$-coordinate of the vertex is $$1$$, and the $$y$$-coordinate is $$10$$.

Understanding the Significance of the Vertex

The vertex of a quadratic function is significant because it represents the maximum or minimum point on the graph of the function. This point is also known as the turning point of the function. The vertex can be used to determine the direction of the graph of the function, which can be useful in a variety of applications.

Real-World Applications of the Vertex

The vertex of a quadratic function has many real-world applications. For example, in physics, the vertex of a quadratic function can be used to model the motion of an object under the influence of gravity. In economics, the vertex of a quadratic function can be used to model the demand for a product. In engineering, the vertex of a quadratic function can be used to design the shape of a curve.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When determining the vertex of a quadratic function, there are several common mistakes to avoid. One mistake is to forget to identify the values of $$a$$ and $$b$$ in the function. Another mistake is to plug in the wrong values into the formula for the $$x$$-coordinate of the vertex. Finally, a common mistake is to forget to check the sign of the coefficient of the $$x^2$$ term to determine whether the vertex is a maximum or minimum point.

Conclusion

Introduction

In our previous article, we discussed how to determine the vertex of a quadratic function. In this article, we will answer some frequently asked questions about determining the vertex of a quadratic function.

Q: What is the vertex of a quadratic function?

A: The vertex of a quadratic function is the maximum or minimum point on the graph of the function. It is also known as the turning point of the function.

Q: How do I determine the vertex of a quadratic function?

A: To determine the vertex of a quadratic function, you need to identify the values of $$a$$ and $$b$$ in the function, find the $$x$$-coordinate of the vertex using the formula $$x = -\frac{b}{2a}$$, and then find the $$y$$-coordinate by plugging the value of $$x$$ into the function.

Q: What is the formula for the $$x$$-coordinate of the vertex?

A: The formula for the $$x$$-coordinate of the vertex is $$x = -\frac{b}{2a}$$.

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

A: The vertex of a quadratic function is significant because it represents the maximum or minimum point on the graph of the function. This point is also known as the turning point of the function. The vertex can be used to determine the direction of the graph of the function, which can be useful in a variety of applications.

Q: What are some real-world applications of the vertex of a quadratic function?

A: The vertex of a quadratic function has many real-world applications. For example, in physics, the vertex of a quadratic function can be used to model the motion of an object under the influence of gravity. In economics, the vertex of a quadratic function can be used to model the demand for a product. In engineering, the vertex of a quadratic function can be used to design the shape of a curve.

Q: What are some common mistakes to avoid when determining the vertex of a quadratic function?

A: Some common mistakes to avoid when determining the vertex of a quadratic function include forgetting to identify the values of $$a$$ and $$b$$ in the function, plugging in the wrong values into the formula for the $$x$$-coordinate of the vertex, and forgetting to check the sign of the coefficient of the $$x^2$$ term to determine whether the vertex is a maximum or minimum point.

Q: How do I check the sign of the coefficient of the $$x^2$$ term?

A: To check the sign of the coefficient of the $$x^2$$ term, you need to look at the coefficient of the $$x^2$$ term in the function. If the coefficient is positive, the vertex is a minimum point. If the coefficient is negative, the vertex is a maximum point.

Q: What is the difference between a maximum and a minimum point?

A: A maximum point is a point on the graph of a function where the function reaches its highest value. A minimum point is a point on the graph of a function where the function reaches its lowest value.

Conclusion

In conclusion, determining the vertex of a quadratic function is an important concept in mathematics. By understanding the formula for the $$x$$-coordinate of the vertex, the significance of the vertex, and some common mistakes to avoid, you can use the vertex to model real-world applications and make informed decisions.

Additional Resources

For more information on determining the vertex of a quadratic function, you can consult the following resources:

Practice Problems

To practice determining the vertex of a quadratic function, try the following problems:

Find the vertex of the function $$f(x) = 2x^2 + 3x - 1$$.
Find the vertex of the function $$f(x) = -x^2 + 4x - 3$$.
Find the vertex of the function $$f(x) = x^2 - 2x + 1$$.

Answer Key

The vertex of the function $$f(x) = 2x^2 + 3x - 1$$ is at the point $$( -\frac{3}{4}, -\frac{25}{8} )$$.
The vertex of the function $$f(x) = -x^2 + 4x - 3$$ is at the point $$( 2, -5 )$$.
The vertex of the function $$f(x) = x^2 - 2x + 1$$ is at the point $$( 1, 0 )$$.