Quadratic Functions - Lesson 1

A quadratic function is always written as:

f(x) = ax2 + bx + c

Ok.. let's take a look at the graph of a quadratic function, and define a few new vocabulary words that are associated with
quadratics.

 The graph of a quadratic function is called a parabola. A parabola contains a point called a vertex. The parabola
can open up or down.

 If the parabola opens up, the vertex is the lowest point. This point is called the minimum point.

 If the parabola opens down, the vertex is the highest point. This point is called the maximum point

 A parabola also contains two points called the zeros or some people call these the x-intercepts. The zeros are the
points were the parabola crosses the x-axis.
Now, we will use a table of values to graph a quadratic function. Remember that you can use a table of values to graph
any equation.

There are a few tricks when graphing quadratic functions. We must make sure that we find a point for the vertex and a
few points on each side of the vertex.

Example 1: Using a Table of Values to Graph Quadratic Function

Notice that after graphing the function, you can identify the vertex as (3,-4) and the zeros as (1,0) and (5,0).

So, it's pretty easy to graph a quadratic function using a table of values, right? It's just a matter of substituting values for
x into the equation in order to create ordered pairs.

There are a lot of other cool things about quadratic functions and graphs. Locate the vertex on the completed table of
values. Do you notice any patterns? Look specifically at the f(x) values.

Notice how the f(x) values start to repeat after the vertex? Quadratic functions are symmetrical. If you draw an imaginary
line through the vertex, this is called the axis of symmetry.

Now check out the points on each side of the axis of symmetry. Pretty cool, huh?

Practice Problem

Directions: Use the table of values to graph the following function:

f(x) = -x2 - 6x -1

Then identify the vertex of the function.

Notice that the zeros of the function are not identifiable on the graph. (They contain decimals which we can not
accurately read on this graph).

The vertex for the parabola is (-3,8).

This parabola opens down; therefore the vertex is called the maximum point.

Can you guess which factor in the function determines whether the parabola opens up or down?

It's the sign of the first term (the squared term). In the function:

f(x) = ax2 + bx + c

If a is positive the parabola opens up and the vertex is the minimum point.
If a is negative, the parabola opens down and the vertex is the maximum point.
The Vertex Formula
The following "vertex formula" will give us the x coordinate for the vertex of the parabola.

Given a quadratic function: ax2+ bx + c

x = -b/2a
Finding the X Coordinate of the Vertex

Now, let's look at an example where we use the vertex formula and a table of values to graph a function.
Example 1 - Finding the Vertex
The vertex, also known as your maximum point, is (-1, 4.5). The zeros of the function are: (-4,0) and (2,0). These are the
points where the parabola crosses the x-axis.
Ok, ready to try one on your own?
 Practice Problem

Given the following function:

h(x) = 1/2x2 - x +2
 Predict whether the parabola will open up or down.
 Find the x coordinate of the vertex using the vertex formula.
 Create a table of values and graph the parabola.
 Identify the zeros of function.