Word Problems
The following examples of word problems are the most common.
1. Maximum height: y-value of the vertex
2. How long does it take to reach the max height: x-value of vertex
3. Initial height: y-intercept
4. How long was the ball in the air: x-intercepts. Note: Always the positive x-intercept because we can not have negative time.
Triangle word problems often require you to use the pythagorean theorem to be able to find the three side lengths.
Often with other shape questions such as a trectangle they are asking you to find the two x-intercepts whcih will bring you closer to your final answer. Since a side length cannot be negative you always choose the positive intercept.
Unlike the shape questions intergers can be negative or positive. In this case you write the two possible solutions as shown in the question towards the left.