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| Question 638927:  determine the quadratic function f whose vertex is (2,-4) and passes through (1,-2)
 f(x)=?
 answer question in form of f(x)=ax^2+bx+c
 Found 2 solutions by  reviewermath, DrBeeee:
 Answer by reviewermath(1029)
      (Show Source): Answer by DrBeeee(684)
      (Show Source): 
You can put this solution on YOUR website! General equation of a quadratic is (1) f(x) = ax^2 + bx +c.
 The graph of this quadratic is called a parabola. It is a curve shaped like the letter "U" or an upside down "U" depending on the sign of "a", the coefficient of x^2. If a>0 the parabola opens "up", like U. If a<0, then parabola opens "down". A useful formula is the value of x around which the parabola is symmetrical. This value is given by
 (2) x = -b/(2a)
 The value of x in (2) is also value of the x coordinate of the parabola's vertex, the point where the graph of f(x) hits a maximum or minimum.
 For this problem we are given two points through which the parabola passes. The point
 (3) (1,-2)
 and and the vertex
 (4) (2,-4).
 Using (2) and the value of x in the vertex (4) yields
 2 = -b/(2a) or
 (5) b = -4a
 Substituting b into (1) yields
 (6) y = ax^2 -4ax + c
 Now substitute the point (1,-2) of (3) into (6) yields
 (7) -2 = a*(1)^2 - 4a*(1) + c, or simplifying
 (8) c = -3a - 2
 Now substitute the vertex (2,-4) of (4) into (6) yields
 (9) -4 = a*(2)^2 -4a*(2) + c, or simplifying
 (10) c = 4a - 4
 Equating (8) and (10), and simplifying yields
 (11) a = 2
 Put a = 2 into (5) yields
 (12) b = -8
 Put a = 2 into (8) and simplifying yields
 (13) c = 4
 Check our answer in (7)
 Is [-2 = 2*1 - 4*2*1 + 4]?
 Is [-2 = 2 - 8 + 4]?
 Is [-2 = -2]? Yes
 Check our answer in (9)
 Is [-4 = 2*2^2 -4*2*2 +4]?
 Is [-4 = 8 - 16 +4]?
 Is [-4 = -4]? Yes
 Answer: f(x) = 2x^2 -8x +4
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