Graphing Quadratic Functions

Step 1: Find the axis of symmetry

Example Equation: y = x2 + 2x -4

Axis of symmetry: x= -b
2a

x =
-2
2(1)

x = -2
2

x = -1
Step 2: Find the vertex

The vertex will be on the axis of symmetry, so plug x = -1

into the equation to find the y-coordinate of the vertex.

vertex: (-1, ? )
2
y = x + 2x - 4
2
y = (-1) + 2(-1) - 4

y = 1-2-4
y = -5

So the vertex is (-1, -5)

Step 3: Draw your coordinate plane and "dash in" the axis of symmetry. Plot the
point for the vertex.

axis of y
tr
symme

ve
rte
x
 Step 4: Plot the y-intercept and the point symmetrical to it.
The y-intercept is "c"

et ri cal y-in
t
symm erce
pt
point
Step 5: Find at least on other point on the parabola and draw the curve.

Let's check and see when x = 2, what is y?

(2, ? )

y = x 2 + 2x - 4

y = (2) 2 + 2(2) - 4

y = 4+4-4
y = 4

So another point on the parabola is(2,4)

Plot (2, 4) and the point symmetrical to it.

 Try another one. Graph y = 1 x 2 + x + 2.5
2
Step 1: Find the axis of symmetry.
Step 2: Find the vertex.
Try another one. Graph y = 1 x 2 + x + 2.5
2
Step 1: Find the axis of symmetry.
Step 4: Plot the y-intercept and the point symmetrical to it.

Step 5: Find at least one other point on the parabola.