What does it give you?
Factor form is yet another way to express a quadratic relation. However, this may be one of the least descriptive ways to represent a parabola or quadratic relation. The reason for this being one of the least descriptive is because this equation will only tell you the zeros of your parabola (y=(x-5)(x+3) your zeros are 5 and -3 as the negative belpongs to the formula). Factor form may only give you the points of x-intercepts but with these points you can do much more. with these points you are capable of finding vertex however it is much more difficult then having your equation in vertex form but before we get to the vertex lets talk about axis of symmetry.
Factor form is yet another way to express a quadratic relation. However, this may be one of the least descriptive ways to represent a parabola or quadratic relation. The reason for this being one of the least descriptive is because this equation will only tell you the zeros of your parabola (y=(x-5)(x+3) your zeros are 5 and -3 as the negative belpongs to the formula). Factor form may only give you the points of x-intercepts but with these points you can do much more. with these points you are capable of finding vertex however it is much more difficult then having your equation in vertex form but before we get to the vertex lets talk about axis of symmetry.
Axis of symmetry To get your axis of symmetry you must first identify the zeros of your quadratic relation using the example above that would be 5 and -3. Once you have identified your zeros you will then use this equation to find your axis of symmetry, (x= (5+(-3))/2 ).This equation will then give you your axis of symmetry which is the X value of your vertex. |
Finding the Vertex Once you have your axis of symmetry you are now ready to get your vertex. The axis of symmetry will replace the x in your original formula( y= (1-5)(1+3) ). Then just simply solve the equation and that will give you the y value of your vertex. Our example: Vertex = (1,-16). Now you have learned all the things you can get from factored form while it may not be much and also take longer to get, but this equation is a great asset to have in the world of parabolas. |