SOLUTION: The function f(x) = a(x-h)^2 + b with a < 0 has at least one zero. Find the value of b.

Algebra.Com
Question 1111592: The function f(x) = a(x-h)^2 + b with a < 0 has at least one zero. Find the value of b.
Answer by greenestamps(13200)   (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!


Every quadratic equation has two roots. So the statement of the problem should say that the function has at least one REAL zero.

The vertex is (h,b); a < 0 means the parabola opens downward.
If the equation has at least one zero and the parabola opens downward, then the vertex must be on or above the x-axis.
But there is no other information given; so b can be any number greater than or equal to 0.

RELATED QUESTIONS

Using intermediate value theorem determine, if possible whether the function f has at... (answered by ikleyn)
Using the intermediate value theorem, determine, if possible, whether the function f has... (answered by MathLover1)
Using the Intermediate Value Theorem, determine whether the function has at least one... (answered by Fombitz)
I will really appreciate if you guys help me with these questions. Thank you so much.... (answered by ewatrrr)
Using the intermediate value theorem, determine whether the function has at least one... (answered by ewatrrr,solver91311)
given that the equation x^2+(2-h)x+h=0 has non-zero roots which differ by 2,find the... (answered by robertb)
The quadratic function f(x) has one zero at x=-5 and a turning point at (3,10). What is... (answered by reviewermath,stanbon)
Help with these functions? Find the following, simplify completely: f(x) = 10x^2 +... (answered by Fombitz)
Evaluate the function for the given values of a and b then use the intermediate value... (answered by robertb)