Modeling with Quadratic Functions Answers

A student draws two parabolas on graph paper. Both parabolas cross the x-axis at (–4, 0) and (6, 0). The y-intercept of the first parabola is (0, –12). The y-intercept of the second parabola is (0, –24). What is the positive difference between the a values for the two functions that describe the parabolas? Write your answer as a decimal rounded to the nearest tenth.

The function f(x) = –(x – 20)(x – 100) represents a company’s monthly profit as a function of x, the number of purchase orders received. Which number of purchase orders will generate the greatest profit?

The image of a parabolic lens is projected onto a graph. The image crosses the x-axis at –2 and 3. The point (–1, 2) is also on the parabola. Which equation can be used to model the image of the lens?

The function f(x) = –10(x)(x – 4) represents the approximate height of a projectile launched from the ground into the air as a function of time in seconds, x. How long, from launch to landing, does the projectile stay in the air?

A sculptor creates an arch in the shape of a parabola. When sketched onto a coordinate grid, the function f(x) = –2(x)(x – 8) represents the height of the arch, in inches, as a function of the distance from the left side of the arch, x. What is the height of the arch, measured 3 inches from the left side of the arch?

The zeros of a parabola are 6 and −5. If (-1, 3) is a point on the graph, which equation can be solved to find the value of a in the equation of the parabola?

Which equation, when graphed, has x-intercepts at (−1, 0) and (−5, 0) and a y-intercept at (0, −30)?

The table shows the approximate height of a projectile x seconds after being fired into the air.