Common Core: High School - Algebra : High School: Algebra

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for Common Core: High School - Algebra

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All Common Core: High School - Algebra Resources

8 Diagnostic Tests 97 Practice Tests Question of the Day Flashcards Learn by Concept

Example Questions

Example Question #151 : New Sat Math Calculator

Complete the square to calculate the maximum or minimum point of the given function.

\(\displaystyle x^2+8x-3\)

Possible Answers:

\(\displaystyle (-19,-4)\)

\(\displaystyle (4,19)\)

\(\displaystyle (-4,19)\)

\(\displaystyle (-4,-19)\)

\(\displaystyle (4,-19)\)

Correct answer:

\(\displaystyle (-4,-19)\)

Explanation:

Completing the square method uses the concept of perfect squares. Recall that a perfect square is in the form,

\(\displaystyle (ax\pm b)^2=(ax\pm b)(ax\pm b)\)

where when multiplied out,

\(\displaystyle a^2x^2+2abx+b^2\)

the middle term coefficient, when divided by two and squared, results in the coefficient of the last term. 

\(\displaystyle 2ab=\left(\frac{2ab}{2} \right )^2=b^2\)

Complete the square for this particular function is as follows.

\(\displaystyle x^2+8x-3\)

First identify the middle term coefficient.

\(\displaystyle \text{Middle Term Coefficient}= 8\)

Now divide the middle term coefficient by two.

\(\displaystyle \frac{8}{2}=4\)

From here write the function with the perfect square.

\(\displaystyle x^2+8x-3\Rightarrow (x+4)^2-3+4^2\)

When simplified the new function is,

\(\displaystyle \\(x+4)^2-3+16\\(x+4)^2+13\)

Since the \(\displaystyle x^2\) term is positive, the parabola will be opening up. This means that the function has a minimum value at the vertex. To find the \(\displaystyle x\) value of the vertex set the inside portion of the binomial equal to zero and solve.

\(\displaystyle \\x+4=0 \\x+4-4=0-4 \\x=-4\)

From here, substitute the the \(\displaystyle x\) value into the original function.

\(\displaystyle x^2+8x-3\)

\(\displaystyle \\y=(-4)^2+8(-4)-3 \\y=16-32-3 \\y=-19\)

Therefore the minimum value occurs at the point \(\displaystyle (-4,-19)\).

Example Question #2 : Calculate Maximum Or Minimum Of Quadratic By Completing The Square: Ccss.Math.Content.Hsa Sse.B.3b

Complete the square to calculate the maximum or minimum point of the given function.

\(\displaystyle x^2+6x+2\)

Possible Answers:

\(\displaystyle (3,7)\)

\(\displaystyle (3,-7)\)

\(\displaystyle (-7,-3)\)

\(\displaystyle (-3,7)\)

\(\displaystyle (-3,-7)\)

Correct answer:

\(\displaystyle (-3,-7)\)

Explanation:

Completing the square method uses the concept of perfect squares. Recall that a perfect square is in the form,

\(\displaystyle (ax\pm b)^2=(ax\pm b)(ax\pm b)\)

where when multiplied out,

\(\displaystyle a^2x^2+2abx+b^2\)

the middle term coefficient, when divided by two and squared, results in the coefficient of the last term. 

\(\displaystyle 2ab=\left(\frac{2ab}{2} \right )^2=b^2\)

Complete the square for this particular function is as follows.

\(\displaystyle x^2+6x+2\)

First identify the middle term coefficient.

\(\displaystyle \text{Middle Term Coefficient}= 6\)

Now divide the middle term coefficient by two.

\(\displaystyle \frac{6}{2}=3\)

From here write the function with the perfect square.

\(\displaystyle x^2+6x+2\Rightarrow (x+3)^2+6+3^2\)

When simplified the new function is,

\(\displaystyle \\(x+3)^2+2+9\\(x+3)^2+11\)

Since the \(\displaystyle x^2\) term is positive, the parabola will be opening up. This means that the function has a minimum value at the vertex. To find the \(\displaystyle x\) value of the vertex set the inside portion of the binomial equal to zero and solve.

\(\displaystyle \\x+3=0 \\x+3-3=0-3 \\x=-3\)

From here, substitute the the \(\displaystyle x\) value into the original function.

\(\displaystyle x^2+6x+2\)

\(\displaystyle \\y=(-3)^2+6(-3)+2 \\y=9-18+2 \\y=-7\)

Therefore the minimum value occurs at the point \(\displaystyle (-3,-7)\).

Example Question #5 : Graphing Quadratics & Polynomials

Complete the square to calculate the maximum or minimum point of the given function.

\(\displaystyle x^2-4x+1\)

Possible Answers:

\(\displaystyle (-3,2)\)

\(\displaystyle (2,-3)\)

\(\displaystyle (-2,3)\)

\(\displaystyle (2,3)\)

\(\displaystyle (-2,-3)\)

Correct answer:

\(\displaystyle (2,-3)\)

Explanation:

Completing the square method uses the concept of perfect squares. Recall that a perfect square is in the form,

\(\displaystyle (ax\pm b)^2=(ax\pm b)(ax\pm b)\)

where when multiplied out,

\(\displaystyle a^2x^2+2abx+b^2\)

the middle term coefficient, when divided by two and squared, results in the coefficient of the last term. 

\(\displaystyle 2ab=\left(\frac{2ab}{2} \right )^2=b^2\)

Complete the square for this particular function is as follows.

\(\displaystyle x^2-4x+1\)

First identify the middle term coefficient.

\(\displaystyle \text{Middle Term Coefficient}= -4\)

Now divide the middle term coefficient by two.

\(\displaystyle \frac{-4}{2}=-2\)

From here write the function with the perfect square.

\(\displaystyle x^2-4x+1\Rightarrow (x-2)^2+1+(-2)^2\)

When simplified the new function is,

\(\displaystyle \\(x-2)^2+1+4\\(x-2)^2+5\)

Since the \(\displaystyle x^2\) term is positive, the parabola will be opening up. This means that the function has a minimum value at the vertex. To find the \(\displaystyle x\) value of the vertex set the inside portion of the binomial equal to zero and solve.

\(\displaystyle \\x-2=0 \\x-2+2=0+2\\x=2\)

From here, substitute the the \(\displaystyle x\) value into the original function.

\(\displaystyle x^2-4x+1\)

\(\displaystyle \\y=(2)^2-4(2)+1 \\y=4-8+1 \\y=-3\)

Therefore the minimum value occurs at the point \(\displaystyle (2,-3)\).

Example Question #3 : Calculate Maximum Or Minimum Of Quadratic By Completing The Square: Ccss.Math.Content.Hsa Sse.B.3b

Complete the square to calculate the maximum or minimum point of the given function.

\(\displaystyle x^2-6x-6\)

Possible Answers:

\(\displaystyle (3,-15)\)

\(\displaystyle (-3,15)\)

\(\displaystyle (3,15)\)

\(\displaystyle (-15,3)\)

\(\displaystyle (-3,-15)\)

Correct answer:

\(\displaystyle (3,-15)\)

Explanation:

Completing the square method uses the concept of perfect squares. Recall that a perfect square is in the form,

\(\displaystyle (ax\pm b)^2=(ax\pm b)(ax\pm b)\)

where when multiplied out,

\(\displaystyle a^2x^2+2abx+b^2\)

the middle term coefficient, when divided by two and squared, results in the coefficient of the last term. 

\(\displaystyle 2ab=\left(\frac{2ab}{2} \right )^2=b^2\)

Complete the square for this particular function is as follows.

\(\displaystyle x^2-6x-6\)

First identify the middle term coefficient.

\(\displaystyle \text{Middle Term Coefficient}= -6\)

Now divide the middle term coefficient by two.

\(\displaystyle \frac{-6}{2}=-3\)

From here write the function with the perfect square.

\(\displaystyle x^2-6x-6\Rightarrow (x-3)^2-6+(-3)^2\)

When simplified the new function is,

\(\displaystyle \\(x-3)^2-6+9\\(x-3)^2+3\)

Since the \(\displaystyle x^2\) term is positive, the parabola will be opening up. This means that the function has a minimum value at the vertex. To find the \(\displaystyle x\) value of the vertex set the inside portion of the binomial equal to zero and solve.

\(\displaystyle \\x-3=0 \\x-3+3=0+3\\x=3\)

From here, substitute the the \(\displaystyle x\) value into the original function.

\(\displaystyle x^2-6x-6\)

\(\displaystyle \\y=(3)^2-6(3)-6 \\y=9-18-6 \\y=-15\)

Therefore the minimum value occurs at the point \(\displaystyle (3,-15)\).

Example Question #7 : Graphing Quadratics & Polynomials

Complete the square to calculate the maximum or minimum point of the given function.

\(\displaystyle -x^2-2x-1\)

Possible Answers:

\(\displaystyle (0,-1)\)

\(\displaystyle (-1,0)\)

\(\displaystyle (1,0)\)

\(\displaystyle (0,1)\)

\(\displaystyle (0,0)\)

Correct answer:

\(\displaystyle (-1,0)\)

Explanation:

Completing the square method uses the concept of perfect squares. Recall that a perfect square is in the form,

\(\displaystyle (ax\pm b)^2=(ax\pm b)(ax\pm b)\)

where when multiplied out,

\(\displaystyle a^2x^2+2abx+b^2\)

the middle term coefficient, when divided by two and squared, results in the coefficient of the last term. 

\(\displaystyle 2ab=\left(\frac{2ab}{2} \right )^2=b^2\)

Complete the square for this particular function is as follows.

\(\displaystyle -x^2-2x-1\)

First factor out a negative one.

\(\displaystyle -1(x^2+2x+1)\)

Now identify the middle term coefficient.

\(\displaystyle \text{Middle Term Coefficient}= 2\)

Now divide the middle term coefficient by two.

\(\displaystyle \frac{2}{2}=1\)

From here write the function with the perfect square.

\(\displaystyle -(x^2+2x+1)\Rightarrow-((x+1)^2+1+1)\)

When simplified the new function is,

\(\displaystyle \\-((x+1)^2+2)\)

Since the \(\displaystyle x^2\) term is negative, the parabola will be opening down. This means that the function has a maximum value at the vertex. To find the \(\displaystyle x\) value of the vertex set the inside portion of the binomial equal to zero and solve.

\(\displaystyle \\x+1=0 \\x+1-1=0-1 \\x=-1\)

From here, substitute the the \(\displaystyle x\) value into the original function.

\(\displaystyle -x^2-2x-1\)

\(\displaystyle \\y=-(-1)^2-2(-1)-1 \\y=-1+2-1 \\y=0\)

Therefore the maximum value occurs at the point \(\displaystyle (-1,0)\).

Example Question #4 : Calculate Maximum Or Minimum Of Quadratic By Completing The Square: Ccss.Math.Content.Hsa Sse.B.3b

Complete the square to calculate the maximum or minimum point of the given function.

\(\displaystyle -x^2-4x-1\)

Possible Answers:

\(\displaystyle (3,-2)\)

\(\displaystyle (-2,-3)\)

\(\displaystyle (2,-3)\)

\(\displaystyle (-2,3)\)

\(\displaystyle (2,3)\)

Correct answer:

\(\displaystyle (-2,3)\)

Explanation:

Completing the square method uses the concept of perfect squares. Recall that a perfect square is in the form,

\(\displaystyle (ax\pm b)^2=(ax\pm b)(ax\pm b)\)

where when multiplied out,

\(\displaystyle a^2x^2+2abx+b^2\)

the middle term coefficient, when divided by two and squared, results in the coefficient of the last term. 

\(\displaystyle 2ab=\left(\frac{2ab}{2} \right )^2=b^2\)

Complete the square for this particular function is as follows.

\(\displaystyle -x^2-4x-1\)

First factor out a negative one.

\(\displaystyle -1(x^2+4x+1)\)

Now identify the middle term coefficient.

\(\displaystyle \text{Middle Term Coefficient}= 4\)

Now divide the middle term coefficient by two.

\(\displaystyle \frac{4}{2}=2\)

From here write the function with the perfect square.

\(\displaystyle -(x^2+4x+1)\Rightarrow-((x+2)^2+1+2^2)\)

When simplified the new function is,

\(\displaystyle \\-((x+2)^2+5)\)

Since the \(\displaystyle x^2\) term is negative, the parabola will be opening down. This means that the function has a maximum value at the vertex. To find the \(\displaystyle x\) value of the vertex set the inside portion of the binomial equal to zero and solve.

\(\displaystyle \\x+2=0 \\x+2-2=0-2 \\x=-2\)

From here, substitute the the \(\displaystyle x\) value into the original function.

\(\displaystyle -x^2-4x-1\)

\(\displaystyle \\y=-(-2)^2-4(-2)-1 \\y=-4+8-1 \\y=3\)

Therefore the maximum value occurs at the point \(\displaystyle (-2,3)\).

Example Question #5 : Calculate Maximum Or Minimum Of Quadratic By Completing The Square: Ccss.Math.Content.Hsa Sse.B.3b

Complete the square to calculate the maximum or minimum point of the given function.

\(\displaystyle -x^2-6x-1\)

Possible Answers:

\(\displaystyle (3,8)\)

\(\displaystyle (-3,8)\)

\(\displaystyle (8,-3)\)

\(\displaystyle (3,-8)\)

\(\displaystyle (-3,-8)\)

Correct answer:

\(\displaystyle (-3,8)\)

Explanation:

Completing the square method uses the concept of perfect squares. Recall that a perfect square is in the form,

\(\displaystyle (ax\pm b)^2=(ax\pm b)(ax\pm b)\)

where when multiplied out,

\(\displaystyle a^2x^2+2abx+b^2\)

the middle term coefficient, when divided by two and squared, results in the coefficient of the last term. 

\(\displaystyle 2ab=\left(\frac{2ab}{2} \right )^2=b^2\)

Complete the square for this particular function is as follows.

\(\displaystyle -x^2-6x-1\)

First factor out a negative one.

\(\displaystyle -1(x^2+6x+1)\)

Now identify the middle term coefficient.

\(\displaystyle \text{Middle Term Coefficient}= 6\)

Now divide the middle term coefficient by two.

\(\displaystyle \frac{6}{2}=3\)

From here write the function with the perfect square.

\(\displaystyle -(x^2+6x+1)\Rightarrow-((x+3)^2+1+3^2)\)

When simplified the new function is,

\(\displaystyle \\-((x+3)^2+10)\)

Since the \(\displaystyle x^2\) term is negative, the parabola will be opening down. This means that the function has a maximum value at the vertex. To find the \(\displaystyle x\) value of the vertex set the inside portion of the binomial equal to zero and solve.

\(\displaystyle \\x+3=0 \\x+3-3=0-3 \\x=-3\)

From here, substitute the the \(\displaystyle x\) value into the original function.

\(\displaystyle -x^2-6x-1\)

\(\displaystyle \\y=-(-3)^2-6(-3)-1 \\y=-9+18-1 \\y=8\)

Therefore the maximum value occurs at the point \(\displaystyle (-3,8)\).

Example Question #6 : Calculate Maximum Or Minimum Of Quadratic By Completing The Square: Ccss.Math.Content.Hsa Sse.B.3b

Complete the square to calculate the maximum or minimum point of the given function.

\(\displaystyle -x^2-4x-5\)

Possible Answers:

\(\displaystyle (-2,1)\)

\(\displaystyle (-2,-1)\)

\(\displaystyle (2,-1)\)

\(\displaystyle (-1,-2)\)

\(\displaystyle (2,1)\)

Correct answer:

\(\displaystyle (-2,-1)\)

Explanation:

Completing the square method uses the concept of perfect squares. Recall that a perfect square is in the form,

\(\displaystyle (ax\pm b)^2=(ax\pm b)(ax\pm b)\)

where when multiplied out,

\(\displaystyle a^2x^2+2abx+b^2\)

the middle term coefficient, when divided by two and squared, results in the coefficient of the last term. 

\(\displaystyle 2ab=\left(\frac{2ab}{2} \right )^2=b^2\)

Complete the square for this particular function is as follows.

\(\displaystyle -x^2-4x-5\)

First factor out a negative one.

\(\displaystyle -1(x^2+4x+5)\)

Now identify the middle term coefficient.

\(\displaystyle \text{Middle Term Coefficient}= 4\)

Now divide the middle term coefficient by two.

\(\displaystyle \frac{4}{2}=2\)

From here write the function with the perfect square.

\(\displaystyle -(x^2+4x+5)\Rightarrow-((x+2)^2+5+2^2)\)

When simplified the new function is,

\(\displaystyle \\-((x+2)^2+9)\)

Since the \(\displaystyle x^2\) term is negative, the parabola will be opening down. This means that the function has a maximum value at the vertex. To find the \(\displaystyle x\) value of the vertex set the inside portion of the binomial equal to zero and solve.

\(\displaystyle \\x+2=0 \\x+2-2=0-2 \\x=-2\)

From here, substitute the the \(\displaystyle x\) value into the original function.

\(\displaystyle -x^2-4x-5\)

\(\displaystyle \\y=-(-2)^2-4(-2)-5 \\y=-4+8-5 \\y=-1\)

Therefore the maximum value occurs at the point \(\displaystyle (-2,-1)\).

Example Question #22 : Graphical Representation Of Functions

Complete the square to calculate the maximum or minimum point of the given function.

\(\displaystyle -x^2-6x-5\)

Possible Answers:

\(\displaystyle (4,-3)\)

\(\displaystyle (-3,4)\)

\(\displaystyle (3,-4)\)

\(\displaystyle (3,4)\)

\(\displaystyle (-3,-4)\)

Correct answer:

\(\displaystyle (-3,4)\)

Explanation:

Completing the square method uses the concept of perfect squares. Recall that a perfect square is in the form,

\(\displaystyle (ax\pm b)^2=(ax\pm b)(ax\pm b)\)

where when multiplied out,

\(\displaystyle a^2x^2+2abx+b^2\)

the middle term coefficient, when divided by two and squared, results in the coefficient of the last term. 

\(\displaystyle 2ab=\left(\frac{2ab}{2} \right )^2=b^2\)

Complete the square for this particular function is as follows.

\(\displaystyle -x^2-6x-5\)

First factor out a negative one.

\(\displaystyle -1(x^2+6x+5)\)

Now identify the middle term coefficient.

\(\displaystyle \text{Middle Term Coefficient}= 6\)

Now divide the middle term coefficient by two.

\(\displaystyle \frac{6}{2}=3\)

From here write the function with the perfect square.

\(\displaystyle -(x^2+6x+5)\Rightarrow-((x+3)^2+5+3^2)\)

When simplified the new function is,

\(\displaystyle \\-((x+3)^2+14)\)

Since the \(\displaystyle x^2\) term is negative, the parabola will be opening down. This means that the function has a maximum value at the vertex. To find the \(\displaystyle x\) value of the vertex set the inside portion of the binomial equal to zero and solve.

\(\displaystyle \\x+3=0 \\x+3-3=0-3 \\x=-3\)

From here, substitute the the \(\displaystyle x\) value into the original function.

\(\displaystyle -x^2-6x-1\)

\(\displaystyle \\y=-(-3)^2-6(-3)-5 \\y=-9+18-5 \\y=4\)

Therefore the maximum value occurs at the point \(\displaystyle (-3,4)\).

Example Question #1 : Graphing Quadratics & Polynomials

Complete the square to calculate the maximum or minimum point of the given function.

\(\displaystyle f(x)=-x^2-8x-2\)

Possible Answers:

\(\displaystyle (14,-4)\)

\(\displaystyle (-4,-14)\)

\(\displaystyle (4,14)\)

\(\displaystyle (4,-14)\)

\(\displaystyle (-4,14)\)

Correct answer:

\(\displaystyle (-4,14)\)

Explanation:

Completing the square method uses the concept of perfect squares. Recall that a perfect square is in the form,

\(\displaystyle (ax\pm b)^2=(ax\pm b)(ax\pm b)\)

where when multiplied out,

\(\displaystyle a^2x^2+2abx+b^2\)

the middle term coefficient, when divided by two and squared, results in the coefficient of the last term. 

\(\displaystyle 2ab=\left(\frac{2ab}{2} \right )^2=b^2\)

Complete the square for this particular function is as follows.

\(\displaystyle -x^2-8x-2\)

First factor out a negative one.

\(\displaystyle -1(x^2+8x+2)\)

Now identify the middle term coefficient.

\(\displaystyle \text{Middle Term Coefficient}= 8\)

Now divide the middle term coefficient by two.

\(\displaystyle \frac{8}{2}=4\)

From here write the function with the perfect square.

\(\displaystyle -(x^2+8x+2)\Rightarrow-((x+4)^2+2+4^2)\)

When simplified the new function is,

\(\displaystyle \\-((x+4)^2+18)\)

Since the \(\displaystyle x^2\) term is negative, the parabola will be opening down. This means that the function has a maximum value at the vertex. To find the \(\displaystyle x\) value of the vertex set the inside portion of the binomial equal to zero and solve.

\(\displaystyle \\x+4=0 \\x+4-4=0-4 \\x=-4\)

From here, substitute the the \(\displaystyle x\) value into the original function.

\(\displaystyle -x^2-8x-2\)

\(\displaystyle \\y=-(-4)^2-8(-4)-2 \\y=-16+32-2 \\y=14\)

Therefore the maximum value occurs at the point \(\displaystyle (-4,14)\).

All Common Core: High School - Algebra Resources

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