Identify Coefficients in y = -4x² + 3: Quadratic Equation Analysis

Quadratic Coefficients with Missing Linear Terms

Identify the coefficients based on the following equation

y=4x2+3 y=-4x^2+3

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:05 Let's find the coefficients of the function.
00:09 We'll use the formula to represent a quadratic equation. Ready? Let's go!
00:25 First, we'll separate the variable from its coefficient. Keep listening!
00:45 Next, we'll compare the formula to our equation and find the coefficients. Almost there!
00:57 And this is how we solve the question. Great job!

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

Identify the coefficients based on the following equation

y=4x2+3 y=-4x^2+3

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve this problem, we'll compare the given quadratic function with its standard form:

  • Step 1: Recognize the given function as y=4x2+3 y = -4x^2 + 3 .
  • Step 2: Write down the standard form of a quadratic function, which is y=ax2+bx+c y = ax^2 + bx + c .
  • Step 3: Match corresponding terms to identify a a , b b , and c c .

Now, let's work through these steps:

Step 1: The given function is y=4x2+3 y = -4x^2 + 3 .

Step 2: The standard form of a quadratic function is y=ax2+bx+c y = ax^2 + bx + c .

Step 3: By direct comparison:
- The coefficient of x2 x^2 in the given expression is 4-4. Therefore, a=4 a = -4 .
- There is no x x term in the given expression, which implies the coefficient b=0 b = 0 .
- The constant term in the given expression is 3 3 , indicating c=3 c = 3 .

Therefore, the solution is a=4 a = -4, b=0 b = 0, c=3 c = 3, which matches with choice 3.

3

Final Answer

a=4,b=0,c=3 a=-4,b=0,c=3

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Standard Form: Quadratic functions follow y=ax2+bx+c y = ax^2 + bx + c
  • Technique: Compare 4x2+3 -4x^2 + 3 to find a=-4, b=0, c=3
  • Check: Rewrite as y=4x2+0x+3 y = -4x^2 + 0x + 3 to verify coefficients ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Confusing which coefficient represents which letter
    Don't assume b=3 just because 3 appears in the equation = wrong identification! The 3 is the constant term since it has no variable attached. Always match each coefficient to its corresponding term: ax² term, bx term, and c constant term.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

What is the value of the coefficient \( c \) in the equation below?

\( 4x^2+9x-2 \)

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

What happens when there's no x term like in this equation?

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When there's no x term (linear term), it means the coefficient b = 0. The equation y=4x2+3 y = -4x^2 + 3 is actually y=4x2+0x+3 y = -4x^2 + 0x + 3 in full form!

Why is a = -4 and not a = 4?

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The coefficient a includes the sign! Since we have 4x2 -4x^2 , the coefficient is negative four, not positive four. Always keep the sign with the number.

How do I remember which letter goes with which term?

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Use the alphabetical pattern:

  • a goes with x² (squared term)
  • b goes with x (linear term)
  • c goes with the constant (no variable)

Can I write the equation in a different order?

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Yes! You could write it as y=34x2 y = 3 - 4x^2 , but the coefficients stay the same: a = -4, b = 0, c = 3. The standard form helps identify them clearly.

What if I accidentally think y is a coefficient?

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y is the dependent variable, not a coefficient! Coefficients are the numbers that multiply the variable terms (x² and x) or stand alone as constants.

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