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Quadratic Equations & Polynomial and Other Nonlinear Functions

This chapter covers quadratic equations, polynomial functions, and other nonlinear functions essential for the DSAT exam. It includes definitions, methods for solving quadratic equations, characteristics of polynomial functions, and key features of exponential, rational, and radical functions. The chapter emphasizes the importance of understanding these concepts for effective problem-solving and provides strategies for exam preparation.

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Quadratic Equations & Polynomial and Other Nonlinear Functions

This chapter covers quadratic equations, polynomial functions, and other nonlinear functions essential for the DSAT exam. It includes definitions, methods for solving quadratic equations, characteristics of polynomial functions, and key features of exponential, rational, and radical functions. The chapter emphasizes the importance of understanding these concepts for effective problem-solving and provides strategies for exam preparation.

Uploaded by

kumarmadhav990
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Quadratic Equations & Polynomial and Other Nonlinear Functions

DSAT Exam Preparation Guide

Chapter Overview

In this chapter, we will explore quadratic equations, polynomial functions, and other types of
nonlinear functions such as exponential, rational, and radical functions. Understanding these forms
of nonlinear functions is essential for problem-solving on the DSAT (Digital SAT), especially in the
algebra and advanced math sections. You will learn how to identify, analyze, graph, and solve these
equations effectively.

1. Quadratic Equations

1.1 Definition

A quadratic equation is a second-degree polynomial equation of the form: ax2+bx+c=0ax^2 + bx + c


= 0 where a≠0a \neq 0, and a,b,ca, b, c are constants.

1.2 Methods to Solve Quadratic Equations

a) Factoring

Rewrite the equation as a product of two binomials: x2+5x+6=0⇒(x+2)(x+3)=0x^2 + 5x + 6 = 0


\Rightarrow (x + 2)(x + 3) = 0 Solutions: x=−2,−3x = -2, -3

b) Completing the Square

Transform ax2+bx+c=0ax^2 + bx + c = 0 into a perfect square trinomial:


x2+6x+5=0⇒x2+6x=−5⇒x2+6x+9=4⇒(x+3)2=4x^2 + 6x + 5 = 0 \Rightarrow x^2 + 6x = -5 \Rightarrow
x^2 + 6x + 9 = 4 \Rightarrow (x + 3)^2 = 4 x=−3±2⇒x=−1,−5x = -3 \pm 2 \Rightarrow x = -1, -5

c) Quadratic Formula

x=−b±b2−4ac2ax = \frac{-b \pm \sqrt{b^2 - 4ac}}{2a} Used for any quadratic equation, especially
when factoring is difficult.

d) Graphing

The solutions (or roots) are the x-intercepts of the parabola.

1.3 Graphs of Quadratic Functions

The graph is a parabola:

• Opens upward if a>0a > 0, downward if a<0a < 0

• Vertex: (−b2a,f(−b2a))\left( \frac{-b}{2a}, f\left(\frac{-b}{2a}\right) \right)

• Axis of symmetry: Vertical line through the vertex

• Y-intercept: Value of cc

1.4 Word Problems Involving Quadratics


Quadratic equations are used in modeling projectile motion, area problems, and revenue
maximization.

Example: "A ball is thrown upward with velocity 32 ft/sec from a height of 5 ft. Its height is given by:
h(t)=−16t2+32t+5h(t) = -16t^2 + 32t + 5. Find when it hits the ground."

Solve h(t)=0h(t) = 0: −16t2+32t+5=0-16t^2 + 32t + 5 = 0 Use quadratic formula.

2. Polynomial Functions

2.1 Definition

A polynomial is an expression of the form: f(x)=anxn+an−1xn−1+…+a1x+a0f(x) = a_nx^n + a_{n-


1}x^{n-1} + \ldots + a_1x + a_0 where an≠0a_n \neq 0, n∈Nn \in \mathbb{N}, and each exponent is a
non-negative integer.

2.2 Degree and Leading Coefficient

• Degree: Highest exponent of x

• Leading coefficient: Coefficient of the term with the highest exponent

2.3 Types

• Linear: Degree 1 (e.g., x+4x + 4)

• Quadratic: Degree 2 (e.g., x2−3x+2x^2 - 3x + 2)

• Cubic: Degree 3 (e.g., x3−xx^3 - x)

• Quartic: Degree 4

2.4 Behavior of Polynomial Graphs

• End Behavior depends on degree and sign of leading coefficient.

• Turning Points: At most n−1n - 1 for a degree nn polynomial.

• Real Zeros: The x-values where the graph crosses the x-axis.

2.5 Factoring Polynomial Expressions

• Take out GCF

• Grouping for 4 terms

• Special formulas:

o a2−b2=(a−b)(a+b)a^2 - b^2 = (a - b)(a + b)

o a2+2ab+b2=(a+b)2a^2 + 2ab + b^2 = (a + b)^2

3. Other Nonlinear Functions

3.1 Exponential Functions


a) Definition:

f(x)=a⋅bxf(x) = a \cdot b^x where a≠0a \neq 0, b>0b > 0, b≠1b \neq 1

b) Characteristics:

• Growth if b>1b > 1; decay if 0<b<10 < b < 1

• Asymptote: horizontal line y=0y = 0

• Domain: (−∞,∞)(-\infty, \infty); Range: (0,∞)(0, \infty)

3.2 Rational Functions

a) Definition:

f(x)=p(x)q(x)f(x) = \frac{p(x)}{q(x)}, where p,qp, q are polynomials and q(x)≠0q(x) \neq 0

b) Key Features:

• Vertical asymptotes: Where q(x)=0q(x) = 0

• Holes: Common factor in numerator and denominator

• Horizontal asymptote: Degree comparison of p(x)p(x) and q(x)q(x)

3.3 Radical Functions

a) Definition:

f(x)=x,f(x)=xnf(x) = \sqrt{x}, \quad f(x) = \sqrt[n]{x}

b) Domain and Range:

• Square roots: Domain x≥0x \geq 0

• Cube roots: Domain (−∞,∞)(-\infty, \infty)

c) Graphs:

• Start from a point and curve slowly (not straight lines)

4. Function Transformations

Transformations apply to all types of nonlinear functions:

• Vertical shifts: f(x)+kf(x) + k

• Horizontal shifts: f(x−h)f(x - h)

• Reflections: −f(x),f(−x)-f(x), f(-x)

• Stretch/compress: af(x)af(x) or f(bx)f(bx)

5. Practice Strategy for DSAT

• Recognize function types: Know how to identify quadratic, polynomial, rational, etc.
• Use discriminant: For quadratics, b2−4acb^2 - 4ac tells the number of real roots.

• Graph features: Be familiar with vertex, axis of symmetry, intercepts, asymptotes.

• Use a calculator wisely: For complex factoring or graph checking.

Summary Table

Function Type General Form Key Features

Quadratic ax2+bx+cax^2 + bx + c Parabola, vertex, axis of symmetry

Polynomial anxn+…+a0a_nx^n + \ldots + a_0 Turning points, end behavior

Exponential abxab^x Rapid growth/decay, horizontal asymptote

Rational p(x)q(x)\frac{p(x)}{q(x)} Vertical/horizontal asymptotes

Radical x,xn\sqrt{x}, \sqrt[n]{x} Curve from origin, domain limitations

This chapter provides a foundation for identifying and analyzing nonlinear functions, which are
crucial for DSAT success. Practice problems and graph interpretation questions often mix function
types, so a firm conceptual grasp helps solve them efficiently.

Next steps: Solve targeted practice questions and master transformations and factorizations for all
function types.

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