Factored Form: Example

Factored Form

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).