GRAPHS OF QUADRATIC FUNCTIONS
The parabola y=x 2
The graph of quadratic function is called a parabola. The simplest function in two
variables is y=x 2 .
The turning point of the graph is called the vertex. The vertex is either the minimum/
maximum point. Its coordinates are ( 0 , 0 ) .
The curve pointing upwards (blue) at the ends is concave upward. If the curve is pointing
downwards (green) at the ends, then the curve is concave downward.
Find the zeroes of the quadratic function. Determine the vertex, axis of symmetry, opening of
the parabola, and the maximum/minimum value, and the domain and range of the function. Then
sketch the graph.
1. f ( x )=x 2−x , a=1 , b=−1 , c=0
2
f ( x )=x −x Solve for zeroes.
x ( x −1 )=0 Solve by factoring
x=0 ; x=1 The zeroes of the function are 0
and 1.
2
−b 4 ac−b
h= ,k=
2a 4a Solve for the vertex ( h , k )
−b −−1 1 The vertex of the function is
h= = =
2 a 2 (1 ) 2
k=
4 ac−b 4 ( 1 ) ( 0 )−(1) −1
=
2
=
2 ( 12 ,− 14 )
4a 4 (1) 4
1 Solve for axis of symmetry
The axis of symmetry is x=
2 the axis of symmetry =x
When the value of a is positive,
−1
The minimum value of the function is y= the parabola opens upward, the
4
minimum value is at y
The domain of quadratic function is all real
numbers so,
D= { xIx ∈ R } or D= { ∞, ∞ }
The range of the quadratic function is from Solve for the domain and
the value of y to either positive/ negative range.
side. In our case, the curve opens upward
+∞
{
R= yly ≥−
1
4}or R=¿
Graph of the function.
Take note of the zeroes, and the
vertex of the function.