Graphs for

Quadratic
Functions
When shooting hoops, the motion of the ball
forms an arc. This shape is similar to the
graphs for quadratic functions which are
called parabolas.
General Form:
 

, where a ≠0
Quadratic Linear
Term Constant
Term Term
Which of the following represent Quadratic Functions?

𝟐
𝒇 ( 𝒙 )= 𝒙 +𝟑
 

𝟐
𝒇 ( 𝒙 )=𝒙 −𝟑 𝒙 − 𝟒
 
Quadratic functions must
contain a Quadratic Term
𝟐
𝒇 ( 𝒙 )=− 𝟐 𝒙
 

𝟐
𝒇 ( 𝒙 )=𝒙 −𝟑 𝒙
 
 Parts of the Parabola
 
Axis of Symmetry :
the vertical line that divides
the parabola in 2 parts. Its
equation is

x-intercepts or Roots :
the x-values when f(x) = 0

y-intercept :
the y-value when x = 0, Vertex or Turning Point :
from the function, the c value the highest or lowest point
of the parabola
Graphs For Quadratic Functions

When the “a” value is When the “a” value is

positive, the graph will have a negative, the graph will have
minimum turning point or a maximum turning point or
vertex vertex
 Draw the Graph For the following
Quadratic Function
 
The function y = x2 – 2x – 3 is defined in the domain

 • List the elements of the DOMAIN : -2, -1, 0, 1, 2, 3, 4

• Substitute these values of x into the function in order to obtain the

corresponding values for y- the RANGE

• Calculate the coordinates of the turning point

then substitute the answer into the function given to get the y-value.
Given y = x2 – 2x – 3 To Complete the table of values, substitute the x-
values into the function given:
a = 1, b = -2 and c = -3
y  =
 y =
y=4+4–3 y=1+2–3
At the Vertex: y=0
y=5

x  = y  =
y  =
x= y=4–4–3
y= –3
y = -3
x=
x=1 y  =
 y = y = 16 – 8 – 3
y=9–6–3
y=5
 y = y=0
y=1–2–3 The Table of Values is
y = -4
x -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4
So the turning point is at (1, -4) y 5 0 -3 -4 -3 0 5
Using a scale of 2cm to represent 1 unit
on the x-axis and 1 cm to represent 1 unit
on the y-axis, plot the points shown in
your Table of values and draw a smooth
curve passing through the points on your
graph.
Look at your Graph
Write the equation for
the axis of symmetry. Does the graph have a
maximum or a minimum
Turning Point?
What are Roots
of the function?

What is the State the coordinates of

y- intercept? the turning point.
 Axis
  of Symmetry- Reflects the y values
from one side across and onto the other.
This vertical line passes through the
turning point and has equation

Domain- All possible x-

values
Range – All possible y-values
Look at the ‘a’ to determine
whether the turning point is
maximum or minimum.

Steps to follow:

1)Find the coordinates of the

turning point
2) Find the y-intercept
[y-value when x = 0]
3) Find the x-intercepts or
Roots [x-values when y = 0]
Graphing Quadratics
4) Complete the Table of
Values
5) Plot the points and connect
the dots!
 Draw the Graph For the following
Quadratic Functions

 
(1.) y = x2 – 4x + 1 for

 
(2.) y = – x2 – 2x + 8 for
Please ensure that you show all working
on a folder sheet or in your notebook,

Use a graph sheet,

Choose suitable scales

Draw smooth curves