Mathematics EN 9th grade: Quadratic function of the form \( f(x) = ax^2 \)
1. What is a quadratic function (basic form)
A quadratic function is a function of the form:
\( f(x) = ax^2 \)
Where:
\( a \) is a real number different from zero (\( a \neq 0 \))
\( x \) is the variable
\( ax^2 \) indicates that the highest degree term is the square of \( x \)
📌 This is the simplest form of a quadratic function (without terms \( bx \)or a constant).
2. Graph shape
The graph of\( f(x) = ax^2 \) is a parabola.
Main characteristics:
The vertex is at the origin \( (0,0) \)
The axis of symmetry is the\( y \) axis
The shape depends on the sign of \( a \)
👉 There are two cases:
✔ If \( a > 0 \):
The parabola opens upward
The minimum point is the vertex
✔ If \( a < 0 \):
The parabola opens downward
The maximum point is the vertex
Examples of graphs (description)
Case 1: \( f(x) = x^2 \) (ou seja, \( a = 1 \))#L# The parabola opens upward
It passes through points such as:
\( (-2, 4) \)
\( (-1, 1) \)
\( (0, 0) \)
\( (1, 1) \)
\( (2, 4) \)
Case 2: \( f(x) = -x^2 \) (ou seja, \( a = -1 \))
The parabola opens downward
It passes through points such as:
\( (-2, -4) \)
\( (-1, -1) \)
\( (0, 0) \)
\( (1, -1) \)
\( (2, -4) \)
4. Value table (example)
For \( f(x) = 2x^2 \):
When \( x = -2 \), \( f(x) = 2 \cdot (-2)^2 = 8 \)
When \( x = -1 \), \( f(x) = 2 \cdot (-1)^2 = 2 \)
When \( x = 0 \), \( f(x) = 0 \)
When \( x = 1 \), \( f(x) = 2 \cdot 1^2 = 2 \)
When \( x = 2 \), \( f(x) = 2 \cdot 2^2 = 8 \)
✔ Symmetry is observed with respect to the\( y \) axis
5. Important interpretation
The value of \( x^2 \) is always positive or zero
The sign of \( a \) determines the opening of the parabola
The larger the absolute value of \( a \), the narrower the parabola
The smaller the absolute value of \( a \), the wider the parabola
6. Key points for the exam
✔ The function \( f(x) = ax^2 \) forms a parabola
✔ The vertex is at \( (0,0) \)
✔ The axis of symmetry is the \( y \) axis
✔The sign of \( a \) determines whether it opens upward or downward
✔ The graph is symmetric with respect to the \( y \) axis.
Did you know?