Curve Sketching 2: Graphing Quadratic Functions

In the first part of this series, we have learned  4 easy ways to graph linear functions. . In this post, we will learn how to sketch the graph of a quadratic function. Quadratic Functions are functions with equation y = ax^2 + bx +c where a \neq 0. This is the standard form. This equation can also be expressed in the form y = a(x-h)^2 + k where a \neq 0 is the vertex form.

Unlike linear functions, we need more than two points to sketch the graph of quadratic functions. In the following discussion, we will examine the different properties of quadratic functions and use them to sketch their graph.

Here are some of the properties of y = ax^2 + bx + c in relation to its graph. For students, it is really important that you think about them — don’t just memorize.

1. Direction of the Graph

 If a >0 then the graph of a quadratic function opens upward. If a < 0, it opens downward.

2. Vertex

The graph of a quadratic function has a vertex at its minimum (lowest point) if the graph opens upward or at its maximum (highest point) if the graph opens downward.  This will give us a rough idea of how the graph will look like if we know the vertex and another point on the graph. In a function with equation in vertex form, the vertex of the parabola is at (h,k).

3. Intercepts

The x and y intercepts of Quadratic function are also clues on how the graph looks like. The quadratic function can have at most two x intercepts (see The Geometric Meaning of Discriminant) and exactly one y-intercept.

4. Axis of Symmetry

The axis of symmetry of the quadratic function is a vertical line that passes through its vertex. In standard form is \frac{-b}{2a}, while in vertex form is x = h.

Worked Example 

Using the properties above, let us sketch the graph of y = 3x^2 - 6x + 1.

Direction of Graph 

The graph opens upward since a = 3 is greater than 0.

Vertex

To get the vertex, we convert the equation into the vertex form which gives us y = 3(x-1)^2 - 2. This means that the vertex (h,k) = (1,-2).

Intercepts

For the y-intercept, we set x = 0, which gives us y = 1. So, the graph passes through (0,1).

curve-sketching

The x-intercepts or the roots can be obtained by setting y = 0 giving us 3x^2 - 6x - 1 = 0. Using the quadratic formula, we get x \approx 1.82 and x \approx 0.18.  So, the points also passes through (1.82,0) and (0.18,0). We have enough points to graph as shown above.

Axis of Symmetry

Since the parabola is symmetric, the axis of symmetry can be used to reflect the point on the y-axis resulting to the fifth point on the graph.

curve-sketching-symmetry

With all the points, it is now possible to sketch the graph as shown below.

graph-sketching-quadratic

At times, the quadratic function can have no x-intercepts making only the vertex and y-intercept as critical points. Of course, additional points on the graph may be obtained by substituting values for x.

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