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Ch. 3 - Polynomial and Rational Functions
Chapter 4, Problem 3

Graph each quadratic function. Give the vertex, axis, x-intercepts, y-intercept, domain, range, and largest open intervals of the domain over which each function is increasing or decreasing. ƒ(x)=-3x^2-12x-1

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Identify the standard form of the quadratic function, which is \( f(x) = ax^2 + bx + c \). Here, \( a = -3 \), \( b = -12 \), and \( c = -1 \).
Find the vertex of the parabola using the vertex formula \( x = -\frac{b}{2a} \). Substitute \( a \) and \( b \) to find the x-coordinate of the vertex.
Substitute the x-coordinate of the vertex back into the function \( f(x) \) to find the y-coordinate of the vertex.
Determine the axis of symmetry, which is the vertical line that passes through the vertex. It is given by \( x = -\frac{b}{2a} \).
Find the x-intercepts by setting \( f(x) = 0 \) and solving the quadratic equation \( -3x^2 - 12x - 1 = 0 \) using the quadratic formula \( x = \frac{-b \pm \sqrt{b^2 - 4ac}}{2a} \).

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Quadratic Functions

A quadratic function is a polynomial function of degree two, typically expressed in the form f(x) = ax^2 + bx + c, where a, b, and c are constants. The graph of a quadratic function is a parabola, which can open upwards or downwards depending on the sign of 'a'. Understanding the general shape and properties of parabolas is essential for analyzing their characteristics.
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Vertex and Axis of Symmetry

The vertex of a quadratic function is the highest or lowest point on its graph, depending on whether the parabola opens downwards or upwards. The axis of symmetry is a vertical line that passes through the vertex, dividing the parabola into two mirror-image halves. For the function f(x) = -3x^2 - 12x - 1, the vertex can be found using the formula x = -b/(2a), which helps in determining the function's maximum or minimum value.
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Intercepts and Intervals of Increase/Decrease

The x-intercepts of a quadratic function are the points where the graph crosses the x-axis, found by solving f(x) = 0. The y-intercept is the point where the graph crosses the y-axis, determined by evaluating f(0). Additionally, the intervals of increase and decrease can be identified by analyzing the derivative or the vertex; for a downward-opening parabola, the function decreases on the interval to the left of the vertex and increases to the right.
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