Graphing Quadratic Functions Homework Help

Math - Graphing Quadratic Functions

The graph of a quadratic function is a parabola. The standard form of a quadratic function is written as

the parabola opens upward; if

it opens downward. To graph the function, first find the vertex by:

1. Either completing the square to rewrite the function in the form

(the vertex is (h, k)) or finding the line of symmetry using the equation

which calculates the x-coordinate of the vertex, and then finding the y value of the vertex by substituting the value of x into the original equation.

2. Then find the x- and y-intercepts of the graph. To find the x-intercepts, solve the quadratic equation,

To find the y-intercept of

find f(0).

Example : Graphing Quadratic Functions