Page 1: Solving Second Degree Equations and Polynomial Forms
This page focuses on solving second degree equations and understanding different forms of polynomials.
The discriminant (Δ) plays a crucial role in solving second degree equations. The number and nature of solutions depend on its value. For an equation ax² + bx + c = 0:
Definition: The discriminant is given by Δ = b² - 4ac.
- If Δ < 0, the equation has no real solutions.
- If Δ = 0, there is one unique solution: x = -b / (2a).
- If Δ > 0, there are two distinct solutions: x = (-b ± √Δ) / (2a).
The page also introduces two important forms of second degree polynomials:
- Factored form: f(x) = a(x - x₁)(x - x₂)
- Canonical form: f(x) = a(x - α)² + β
Highlight: The canonical form is particularly useful for studying the function's behavior.
For a > 0, the function has a minimum at x = α, with the minimum value being β. Conversely, for a < 0, it has a maximum at x = α, with the maximum value being β.
Example: In the canonical form f(x) = a(x - α)² + β, α represents the x-coordinate of the vertex, and β represents the y-coordinate.