Transformation of Quadratic Equations

Transformation of Quadratic Equations

Edited By Komal Miglani | Updated on Jul 02, 2025 08:02 PM IST

Quadratic Equation plays an important role in mathematics due to their parabolic graphs and numerous applications. Transformation of these equations can help analysts to analyze different insights. The transformation of the parabolic equation includes shape, size, etc. It is useful in real-life applications.

This Story also Contains
  1. Quadratic Equation:
  2. Transformation of roots
  3. Solved Examples Based on Transformation of Quadratic Function:
Transformation of Quadratic Equations
Transformation of Quadratic Equations

Quadratic Equation:

A polynomial equation in which the highest degree of a variable term is 2 is called a quadratic equation.
Standard form of quadratic equation is $a x^2+b x+c=0$
Where $\mathrm{a}, \mathrm{b}$, and c are constants (they may be real or imaginary) and called the coefficients of the equation and $a \neq 0$ ( a is also called the leading coefficient).

$
\text { Eg, }-5 x^2-3 x+2=0, x^2=0,(1+i) x^2-3 x+2 i=0
$

As the degree of the quadratic polynomial is 2 , so it always has 2 roots (number of real roots + number of imaginary roots $=2$ )

Roots of quadratic equation

The root of the quadratic equation is given by the formula:

$
\begin{aligned}
& \mathrm{x}=\frac{-\mathrm{b} \pm \sqrt{\mathrm{D}}}{2 \mathrm{a}} \\
& \text { or } \\
& \mathrm{x}=\frac{-\mathrm{b} \pm \sqrt{\mathrm{b}^2-4 \mathrm{ac}}}{2 \mathrm{a}}
\end{aligned}
$

Where $D$ is called the discriminant of the quadratic equation, given by $D=b^2-4 a c$, The discriminant of a quadratic equation reveals the nature of roots.

Equation from roots

A quadratic equation with $\alpha$ and $\beta$ as its roots is $(\mathrm{x}-\alpha)(\mathrm{x}-\beta)=0$

$
\mathrm{x}^2-(\alpha+\beta) \mathrm{x}+\alpha \beta=0
$

So, the equation with given roots can be written as $x^2-$ (sum of roots) $x+($ Product of roots) $=0$

Transformation of roots

Let $\alpha$ and $\beta$ be the roots of quadratic equation $\mathrm{ax}^2+\mathrm{bx}+\mathrm{c}=0$, then
i) the equation with root $\alpha+\mathrm{k}$ and $\beta+\mathrm{k}$ will be

$
a(x-k)^2+b(x-k)+c=0, \quad(\text { replace } \mathrm{x} \text { by } \mathrm{x}-\mathrm{k})
$

ii) the equation with root $\alpha-k$ and $\beta-k$ will be

$
\left.a(x+k)^2+b(x+k)+c=0, \text { (replace } \mathrm{x} \text { by } \mathrm{x}+\mathrm{k}\right)
$

iii) the equation with root $\alpha$ k and $\beta \mathrm{k}$ will be

$
a x^2+k b x+k^2 c=0\left(\text { replace } x \text { by } \frac{x}{k}\right)
$

iv) the equation with root $\frac{\alpha}{k}$ and $\frac{\beta}{k}$ will be $a x^2 k^2+b k x+c=0$ (replace x by kx )
v) the equation with root $\alpha$ and $-\beta$ will be $a x^2-b x+c=0 \quad$ (replace x by -x )
vi) the equation with root $\frac{1}{\alpha}$ and $\frac{1}{\beta}$ will be

$
c x^2+b x+a=0\left(\text { replace } \times \text { by } \frac{1}{x}\right)
$

vii) the equation with root $-\frac{1}{\alpha}$ and $-\frac{1}{\beta}$ will be $c x^2-b x+a=0\left(\right.$ replace $\times$ by $\left.-\frac{1}{x}\right)$
viii) the equation with root $\frac{k}{\alpha}$ and $\frac{k}{\beta}$ will be

$
c x^2+k b x+k^2 a=0\left(\text { replace } \times \text { by } \frac{k}{x}\right)
$

Recommend Video Based on Transformation of Quadratic Equations:

Solved Examples Based on Transformation of Quadratic Function:

Example 1: Let $\alpha, \beta, \gamma$ are roots of $x^3-x^2+1=0$ then the equation whose roots are $\frac{1}{\alpha}, \frac{1}{\beta}, \frac{1}{\gamma}$ is
1) $x^3+x-1=0$
2) $x^3-x+1=0$
3) $x^3+x+1=0$
4) $x^3-x-1=0$

Solution

As we learned in

Transformation of the equation -

To find an equation whose roots are symmetrical functions of $\alpha$ and $\beta$, Where $\alpha \& \beta$ are roots of some other equation.
- wherein

Take any of the roots to be equal to $y$ \& calculate $\alpha$ or $\beta$ accordingly in terms of $y$ \& satisfy the given equation to get required equation.

Let $\frac{1}{\alpha}=y \Rightarrow \alpha=\frac{1}{y}$
Now, $\alpha$ being the root of a given equation will satisfy it, So

$
\begin{aligned}
& \left(\frac{1}{y}\right)^3-\left(\frac{1}{y}\right)^2+1=0 \Rightarrow 1-y+y^3=0 \\
& \Rightarrow y^3-y+1=0
\end{aligned}
$

$\therefore$ equation is $x^3-x+1=0$
Hence, the answer is the option (2).
Example 2: Let $\alpha, \beta, \gamma$ are roots of $x^3+x+1=0$ then the equation with roots $\alpha-1, \beta-1, \gamma-1$ is :
1) $x^3+3 x^2+4 x+3=0$
2) $x^3-3 x^2+4 x+3=0$
3) $x^3-3 x^2-4 x+3=0$
4) $x^3-3 x^2+4 x-3=0$

Solution

As we have learned

Transformation of the equation -

To find an equation whose roots are symmetrical functions of $\alpha$ and $\beta$, Where $\alpha \& \beta$ are roots of some other equation.
- wherein

Take any of the roots to be equal to $y \&$ calculate $\alpha$ or $\beta$ accordingly in terms of $y$ \& satisfy the given equation to get the required equation.

Let $\alpha-1=y \Rightarrow \alpha=y+1$, Now put in the given equation we get -

$
(y+1)^3+(y+1)+1=0 \Rightarrow y^3+3 y^2+4 y+3=0
$

$\therefore$ Equation is $\rightarrow x^3+3 x^2+4 x+3=0$
Hence, the answer is the option (1).

Example 3: If $\alpha, \beta, \gamma$ are roots of $x^3-x+2=0$ then the equation whose roots are $\alpha+\beta+2 \gamma, \beta+\gamma+2 \alpha \& \gamma+\alpha+2 \beta$ will be:
1) $x^3+x-2=0$
2) $x^3+x+2=0$
3) $x^3-x+2=0$
4) $x^3-x-2=0$

Solution

As we learned in

Transformation of the equation -

To find an equation whose roots are symmetrical functions of $\alpha$ and $\beta$, Where $\alpha \& \beta$ are roots of some other equation.

- wherein

Let $y=\alpha+\beta+2 \gamma=\alpha+\beta+\gamma+\gamma=0+\gamma$
$\Rightarrow \gamma=y$
now, $\gamma$ will satisfy the given equation so $y^3-y+2=0$
$\therefore$ equation is $x^3-x+2=0$
Hence, the answer is the option (3).

Example 4: If $\alpha$ and $\beta$ are the roots of the equation $x^2+p x+2=0$ and $\frac{1}{\alpha}$ and $\frac{1}{\beta}$ are the roots of the equation $2 x^2+2 p x+1=0$, then $\left(\alpha-\frac{1}{\alpha}\right)\left(\beta-\frac{1}{\beta}\right)\left(\alpha+\frac{1}{\beta}\right)\left(\beta+\frac{1}{\alpha}\right)$ is equal to:
1) $\frac{9}{4}\left(9+q^2\right)$
2) $\frac{9}{4}\left(9-q^2\right)$
3) $\frac{9}{4}\left(9+p^2\right)$
4) $\frac{9}{4}\left(9-p^2\right)$

Solution

$
\begin{aligned}
& x^2+p x+2=0 \quad \alpha, \beta \\
& 2 x^2+2 p x+1=0 \quad \frac{1}{\alpha}, \frac{1}{\beta}
\end{aligned}
$


$
\begin{aligned}
& \alpha+\beta=-p, \alpha \beta=2 \\
& \frac{1}{\alpha}+\frac{1}{\beta}=-q, \frac{1}{\alpha \beta}=\frac{1}{2} \\
& \left(\alpha-\frac{1}{\alpha}\right)\left(\beta-\frac{1}{\beta}\right)\left(\alpha+\frac{1}{\beta}\right)\left(\beta+\frac{1}{\alpha}\right) \\
& =\left(\alpha \beta-\frac{\alpha}{\beta}-\frac{\beta}{\alpha}+\frac{1}{\alpha \beta}\right)\left(\alpha \beta+2+\frac{1}{\alpha \beta}\right) \\
& =\left(\frac{5}{2}-\frac{\alpha^2+\beta^2}{\alpha \beta}\right)\left(\frac{9}{2}\right) \\
& =\left(\frac{5}{2}-\frac{p^2-4^{-1}}{2}\right)\left(\frac{9}{2}\right) \\
& =\frac{9}{4}\left(9-p^2\right)
\end{aligned}
$
Hence, the answer is the option 4.

Example 5: The number of roots of the equation, $(81)^{\sin ^2 x}+(81)^{\cos ^2 x}=30$ in the interval $[0, \pi]$ is equal to :
1) $4$
2) $2$
3) $8$
4) $3$

Solution
$
\begin{aligned}
& (81)^{\sin ^2 x}+(81)^{\cos ^2 x}=30 \\
& (81)^{\sin ^2 x}+\frac{(81)^1}{(18)^{\sin ^2 x}}=30 \\
& (81)^{\sin ^2 x}=t \\
& t+\frac{81}{t}=30 \\
& t^2-30 t+81=0 \\
& (t-3)(t-27)=0 \\
& (81)^{\sin ^2 x}=3^1 \quad \text { or } \quad(81)^{\sin ^2 x}=3^3 \\
& 3^{4 \sin ^2 x}=3^1 \quad \text { or } \quad 3^{4 \sin ^2 x}=3^3 \\
& \sin ^2 x=\frac{1}{4} \quad \text { or } \quad \sin ^2 x=\frac{3}{4}
\end{aligned}
$

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the vertex form of a quadratic equation?
The vertex form of a quadratic equation is y = a(x - h)² + k, where (h, k) represents the coordinates of the vertex. This form is useful for easily identifying the vertex and axis of symmetry of the parabola.
2. How can you transform a quadratic equation from standard form to vertex form?
To transform from standard form (ax² + bx + c) to vertex form (a(x - h)² + k), complete the square by following these steps:
3. How does horizontal shifting affect a quadratic function?
Horizontal shifting changes the x-coordinate of the vertex. Adding a positive constant inside the parentheses (x + k) shifts the graph left, while subtracting a constant (x - k) shifts it right. This is represented in the vertex form as y = a(x - h)² + k, where h represents the horizontal shift.
4. How can you determine the axis of symmetry of a parabola?
The axis of symmetry of a parabola is a vertical line that passes through the vertex. It can be found using the formula x = -b/(2a) in standard form, or it's simply x = h in vertex form, where h is the x-coordinate of the vertex.
5. What is the relationship between the roots of a quadratic equation and its graph?
The roots of a quadratic equation are the x-intercepts of its graph. If the equation has two real roots, the parabola crosses the x-axis at two points. If it has one real root (repeated), the parabola touches the x-axis at one point. If it has no real roots, the parabola doesn't intersect the x-axis.
6. What is the general form of a quadratic equation?
The general form of a quadratic equation is ax² + bx + c = 0, where a, b, and c are constants, and a ≠ 0. This form is essential for understanding transformations and solving quadratic equations.
7. How does changing the value of 'a' affect the graph of a quadratic function?
Changing the value of 'a' affects the steepness and direction of the parabola. If |a| > 1, the parabola becomes steeper, and if 0 < |a| < 1, it becomes flatter. When a is positive, the parabola opens upward, and when a is negative, it opens downward.
8. What is the significance of the discriminant in quadratic equations?
The discriminant, given by b² - 4ac, determines the nature of the roots of a quadratic equation. If the discriminant is positive, there are two real roots; if it's zero, there's one real root (repeated); if it's negative, there are two complex conjugate roots.
9. What effect does vertical shifting have on a quadratic function?
Vertical shifting changes the y-coordinate of the vertex. Adding a constant to the entire function (y = ax² + bx + c + k) shifts the graph upward, while subtracting a constant shifts it downward. In vertex form, this is represented by the k in y = a(x - h)² + k.
10. How can you determine if a quadratic function has a maximum or minimum point?
The direction of the parabola determines whether it has a maximum or minimum point. If a > 0 (parabola opens upward), the vertex is the minimum point. If a < 0 (parabola opens downward), the vertex is the maximum point.
11. What is the relationship between the coefficient 'a' and the width of the parabola?
The coefficient 'a' is inversely related to the width of the parabola. As |a| increases, the parabola becomes narrower, and as |a| decreases (but remains non-zero), the parabola becomes wider.
12. How can you determine the y-intercept of a quadratic function?
The y-intercept is the point where the parabola crosses the y-axis. It can be found by setting x = 0 in the quadratic equation. In the standard form y = ax² + bx + c, the y-intercept is simply the constant term c.
13. How does changing the value of 'c' in a quadratic equation affect its graph?
Changing the value of 'c' in the standard form ax² + bx + c shifts the entire parabola vertically. Increasing 'c' shifts the parabola upward, while decreasing 'c' shifts it downward. This change affects the y-intercept and the y-coordinate of the vertex.
14. What is the relationship between the focus, directrix, and vertex of a parabola?
In a parabola:
15. How does stretching or compressing affect a quadratic function?
Stretching or compressing changes the width of the parabola. Multiplying the entire function by a constant |a| > 1 stretches it vertically, while multiplying by 0 < |a| < 1 compresses it vertically. This is represented by the 'a' in y = a(x - h)² + k.
16. What is the difference between vertical stretching and horizontal stretching?
Vertical stretching affects the y-values of the function, making the parabola taller or shorter. Horizontal stretching affects the x-values, making the parabola wider or narrower. Vertical stretching is achieved by multiplying the entire function by a constant, while horizontal stretching involves multiplying the x-term inside the parentheses by a constant.
17. How does reflecting a quadratic function over the x-axis change its equation?
Reflecting a quadratic function over the x-axis changes the sign of all y-values. This is achieved by negating the entire function. For example, y = ax² + bx + c becomes y = -(ax² + bx + c), or simply y = -ax² - bx - c.
18. What is the effect of reflecting a quadratic function over the y-axis?
Reflecting a quadratic function over the y-axis changes the sign of all x-values. This is achieved by replacing x with -x in the equation. For example, y = a(x - h)² + k becomes y = a(-x - h)² + k.
19. What is the relationship between the vertex form and the factored form of a quadratic equation?
The vertex form y = a(x - h)² + k and the factored form y = a(x - r₁)(x - r₂) are related through the roots and the vertex. The h in vertex form is the average of the roots r₁ and r₂, and k is the y-coordinate of the vertex.
20. How does the transformation y = -f(x) affect a quadratic function?
The transformation y = -f(x) reflects the quadratic function over the x-axis. It changes the direction of the parabola: if it originally opened upward, it will now open downward, and vice versa.
21. What is the geometric interpretation of completing the square?
Completing the square is a process of transforming a quadratic expression into a perfect square trinomial plus a constant. Geometrically, it's equivalent to shifting the parabola horizontally so that its axis of symmetry aligns with the y-axis, making it easier to identify the vertex.
22. How can you use transformations to sketch a quadratic function quickly?
To sketch a quadratic function quickly using transformations:
23. What is the effect of the transformation f(x-k) on a quadratic function?
The transformation f(x-k) shifts the quadratic function horizontally by k units. If k is positive, the shift is to the right; if k is negative, the shift is to the left. This transformation affects the x-coordinate of the vertex and all x-values of the function.
24. How does the transformation f(x)+k affect a quadratic function?
The transformation f(x)+k shifts the quadratic function vertically by k units. If k is positive, the shift is upward; if k is negative, the shift is downward. This transformation affects the y-coordinate of the vertex and all y-values of the function.
25. What is the relationship between the coefficients of a quadratic equation and the sum and product of its roots?
For a quadratic equation ax² + bx + c = 0 with roots r₁ and r₂:
26. How can you use transformations to convert between different forms of quadratic equations?
To convert between forms using transformations:
27. What is the effect of the transformation f(kx) on a quadratic function?
The transformation f(kx) causes a horizontal stretch or compression of the quadratic function. If |k| > 1, the graph is compressed horizontally, and if 0 < |k| < 1, the graph is stretched horizontally. This affects the width of the parabola without changing its vertex.
28. What is the relationship between the discriminant and the transformations of a quadratic function?
The discriminant (b² - 4ac) is not directly affected by horizontal or vertical shifts of the parabola. However, stretching or compressing the parabola (changing 'a') will affect the discriminant and potentially change the nature of the roots.
29. How can you use the vertex form to find the maximum or minimum value of a quadratic function?
In the vertex form y = a(x - h)² + k, the k-value represents the y-coordinate of the vertex. This is the maximum value of the function if a < 0 (parabola opens downward) or the minimum value if a > 0 (parabola opens upward).
30. What is the effect of combining multiple transformations on a quadratic function?
When combining transformations:
31. How does the transformation |f(x)| affect a quadratic function?
The transformation |f(x)| reflects the negative y-values of the function over the x-axis. For a parabola that opens upward, this doesn't change the part above the x-axis but creates a mirror image of the part below. For a downward-opening parabola, it creates a "V" shape with the vertex as the point.
32. What is the geometric interpretation of the coefficient 'b' in a quadratic equation?
The coefficient 'b' in the standard form ax² + bx + c = 0 affects the symmetry of the parabola. It determines how far the axis of symmetry is from the y-axis. A larger absolute value of 'b' shifts the vertex further from the y-axis.
33. How can you use transformations to solve quadratic inequalities graphically?
To solve quadratic inequalities graphically:
34. What is the effect of the transformation f(-x) on a quadratic function?
The transformation f(-x) reflects the quadratic function over the y-axis. This changes the sign of all x-values without affecting y-values. If the original parabola opened to the right of its axis of symmetry, the transformed parabola will open to the left, and vice versa.
35. How does scaling affect the roots of a quadratic equation?
Scaling a quadratic equation by multiplying all terms by a constant k ≠ 0 does not change the roots of the equation. However, it does affect the y-intercept and the overall shape of the parabola. The roots remain the same because the x-intercepts are unchanged by vertical stretching or compression.
36. How can you use transformations to convert a quadratic function to intercept form?
To convert to intercept form y = a(x - r₁)(x - r₂):
37. What is the effect of composing a quadratic function with a linear function?
Composing a quadratic function f(x) with a linear function g(x) = mx + b results in a new quadratic function. For example, f(g(x)) = a(mx + b)² + c(mx + b) + d. This composition can lead to various transformations including stretching, shifting, and sometimes changing the direction of the parabola.
38. How does the transformation f(|x|) affect a quadratic function?
The transformation f(|x|) creates a symmetric "U" shape for an upward-opening parabola or an inverted "U" shape for a downward-opening parabola. It reflects the left side of the parabola over the y-axis, creating a function that's symmetric about the y-axis.
39. What is the relationship between the quadratic formula and the vertex form of a quadratic equation?
The quadratic formula x = (-b ± √(b² - 4ac)) / (2a) is related to the vertex form y = a(x - h)² + k:
40. How can you use transformations to analyze the family of quadratic functions f(x) = a(x - p)² + q?
For the family f(x) = a(x - p)² + q:
41. What is the effect of the transformation 1/f(x) on a quadratic function?
The transformation 1/f(x) inverts the quadratic function, turning the parabola into a hyperbola. It creates vertical asymptotes at the roots of the original quadratic function and a horizontal asymptote at y = 0. This transformation is particularly useful in rational functions derived from quadratics.
42. How does changing the base of a quadratic function in exponential form affect its graph?
A quadratic function in exponential form, such as f(x) = a^(x²), where a > 0 and a ≠ 1, creates a U-shaped graph. Changing the base 'a':

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