Quadratic Functions
Graphing
Quadratic Function (Definition)
● A quadratic function is described by an equation of the form
● f(x) = ax2 + bx + c, where a ≠ 0.
Quadratic term Linear term Constant term
The graph of any quadratic function is called parabola.
To graph a quadratic function, plot the ordered pairs on the
coordinate plane that satisfy the function.
Example: Graph a function f(x) = x2 + 2x + 1
1. Generate a table of ordered
pairs satisfying the function.
x y
2. Plot the points on the
-2 1
coordinate plane.
3. Connect a smooth curve -1 0
joining the points.
0 1
1 4
Important Observations
● All parabolas have an axis of symmetry. That is, if the graph paper containing the graph of parabola
is folded along the axis of symmetry the portion of parabola on either sides will exactly match each
other.
● The point at which the axis of symmetry intersects the parabola is called the vertex.
● The y-intercept of a quadratic function is c
Let f(x) = ax2+ bx+c, where a≠0.
● The y-intercept: y= a(0)2+b(0) +c = c
● The equation of axis of symmetry: x = -b/(2a). (to be derived later).
● The x-coordinate of the vertex: -b/(2a).
Example: Graph a function f(x) = x2+8x+9
The y-intercept: 9
The axis of symmetry: x = -8/(2(1)) =-4 x y
The vertex: (-4, -7) -3 -6
-4 -7
-5 -6
Example: Graph a function f(x) = -x2+1.
The y-intercept: 1
x y
The axis of symmetry: x = 0
The vertex: (0, 1)
-1 0
0 1
1 0
Maximum and Minimum Values
The y-coordinate of the vertex of a given quadratic function is the minimum
or maximum value attained by the function.
The graph of a quadratic function f(x)= ax2+bx +c, where a ≠ 0 is:
● Opens up and has minimum value, if a > 0.
● Opens down and has maximum value if a < 0.
● The range of a quadratic function is
𝐑∩{f(x)|f(x) ≥ fmin} or 𝐑∩{f(x)|f(x) ≤ fmax}.
Example
Let f(x) = x2-6x+9.
1. Determine whether f has minimum or maximum value. If so, what is the value?
2. State the domain and the range of f.
Observe that a=1, b=-6, and c=9.
Since, a>0, the function opens up and has the minimum
value.
The minimum value is given by y-coordinate of the vertex.
The x-coordinate of the vertex is -b/(2a) = 3. Therefore,
the minimum value is f(3) = 0.
Domain = 𝐑 and Range = 𝐑∩{f(x)|f(x) ≥ 0}.
