Solving Quadratic Equations

9-5 by Graphing

Objective
Solve quadratic equations by graphing.

Holt Algebra 1
 Solving Quadratic Equations
9-5 by Graphing

Every quadratic function has a related quadratic

equation. A quadratic equation is an equation
that can be written in the standard form ax2 + bx
+ c = 0, where a, b, and c are real numbers and
a ≠ 0.

When writing a quadratic function as its related

quadratic equation, you replace y with 0. So y = 0.

y = ax2 + bx + c
0 = ax2 + bx + c
ax2 + bx + c = 0

Holt Algebra 1
 Solving Quadratic Equations
9-5 by Graphing
Example 1A: Solving Quadratic Equations by Graphing
Solve the equation by graphing the related
function.
2x2 – 18 = 0
Step 1 Write the related function.
2x2 – 18 = y, or y = 2x2 + 0x – 18
Step 2 Graph the function. x=0
● ●
• The axis of symmetry is x = 0. (3, 0)
• The vertex is (0, –18).
● ●
• Two other points (2, –10) and (2, –10)
(3, 0)
●
(0, –18)
• Graph the points and reflect them
across the axis of symmetry.
Holt Algebra 1
 Solving Quadratic Equations
9-5 by Graphing
Example 1A Continued
Solve the equation by graphing the related
function.
2x2 – 18 = 0
Step 3 Find the zeros.
The zeros appear to be 3 and –3.
Check 2x2 – 18 = 0 2x2 – 18 = 0
2(3)2 – 18 0 2(–3)2 – 18 0
2(9) – 18 0 Substitute 3 and –3
2(9) – 18 0
18 – 18 0 for x in the quadratic
18 – 18 0 
0 0 equation.

Holt Algebra 1
 Solving Quadratic Equations
9-5 by Graphing
Example 1B: Solving Quadratic Equations by Graphing
Solve the equation by graphing the related
function.
–12x + 18 = –2x2
Step 1 Write the related function.
y = –2x2 + 12x – 18
x=3
Step 2 Graph the function. (3, 0) ●
● ● (4, –2)
• The axis of symmetry is x = 3.
• The vertex is (3, 0). ● ● (5, –8)
• Two other points (5, –8) and
(4, –2).
• Graph the points and reflect them ●

across the axis of symmetry.

Holt Algebra 1
 Solving Quadratic Equations
9-5 by Graphing
Example 1B Continued
Solve the equation by graphing the related
function.
–12x + 18 = –2x2
Step 3 Find the zeros.
The only zero appears to be 3.
Check y = –2x2 + 12x – 18
0 –2(3)2 + 12(3) – 18
0 –18 + 36 – 18
0 0
You can also confirm the solution by using the Table
function. Enter the function and press
When y = 0, x = 3. The x-intercept is 3.
Holt Algebra 1
 Solving Quadratic Equations
9-5 by Graphing
Example 2: Application
A frog jumps straight up from the ground.
The quadratic function f(t) = –16t2 + 12t
models the frog’s height above the ground
after t seconds. About how long is the frog
in the air?
When the frog leaves the ground, its height is
0, and when the frog lands, its height is 0. So
solve 0 = –16t2 + 12t to find the times when
the frog leaves the ground and lands.
Step 1 Write the related function
0 = –16t2 + 12t
y = –16t2 + 12t
Holt Algebra 1
 Solving Quadratic Equations
9-5 by Graphing
Example 2 Continued

Step 2 Graph the function.

Use a graphing calculator.
Step 3 Use to estimate the
zeros.
The zeros appear to be 0 and 0.75.
The frog leaves the ground at 0
seconds and lands at 0.75
seconds.

The frog is off the ground for

about 0.75 seconds.

Holt Algebra 1
 Solving Quadratic Equations
9-5 by Graphing
Example 2 Continued

Check 0 = –16t2 + 12t

0 –16(0.75)2 + 12(0.75)
0 –16(0.5625) + 9
0 –9 + 9
0 0
Substitute 0.75 for x
in the quadratic
equation.

Holt Algebra 1
 Solving Quadratic Equations
9-5 by Graphing
Check It Out! Example 2
What if…? A dolphin jumps out of the water.
The quadratic function y = –16x2 + 32 x
models the dolphin’s height above the water
after x seconds. About how long is the dolphin
out of the water?
When the dolphin leaves the water, its height is
0, and when the dolphin reenters the water, its
height is 0. So solve 0 = –16x2 + 32x to find
the times when the dolphin leaves and reenters
the water.
Step 1 Write the related function
0 = –16x2 + 32x
y = –16x2 + 32x
Holt Algebra 1
 Solving Quadratic Equations
9-5 by Graphing
Check It Out! Example 2 Continued

Step 2 Graph the function.

Use a graphing calculator.
Step 3 Use to estimate the
zeros.
The zeros appear to be 0 and 2.
The dolphin leaves the water
at 0 seconds and reenters at
2 seconds.
The dolphin is out of the
water for about 2 seconds.

Holt Algebra 1
 Solving Quadratic Equations
9-5 by Graphing
Check It Out! Example 2 Continued

Check 0 = –16x2 + 32x

0 –16(2)2 + 32(2)
Substitute 2 for x in
0 –16(4) + 64 the quadratic
0 –64 + 64 equation.
0 0

Holt Algebra 1
 Solving Quadratic Equations
9-5 by Graphing
Lesson Quiz
Solve each equation by graphing the related
function.
1. 3x2 – 12 = 0 2, –2
2. x2 + 2x = 8 –4, 2
3. 3x – 5 = x2 no solution
4. 3x2 + 3 = 6x 1
5. A rocket is shot straight up from the ground.
The quadratic function f(t) = –16t2 + 96t
models the rocket’s height above the ground after
t seconds. How long does it take for the rocket to
return to the ground. 6s
Holt Algebra 1