Factored Form
Graphing
Example
Make a graph of the following function: f(x) = (x + 3) (x - 1)
Step 1. Determine the x-intercepts.
0 = (x + 3)(x - 1)
x + 3 = 0 or x - 1 = 0
x = -3 or x = 1
Step 2. Find the a-value.
The a-value is positive one, so the graph opens up.
Step 3. Calculate the vertex of the graph.
The midpoint of the x-intercepts is: .
The y-coordinate is
The vertex is (-1, -4).