Algebra 2: Section 5.

Graphing Quadratic
Functions

1
 Definitions
Quadratic function
– Standard form

y  ax  bx  c
2

(a  0)

2
 Parabola
–Graph of a quadratic function
–Looks like a “U”

3
 Definitions
Vertex
–Lowest or highest point of a
parabola
Axis of symmetry
–Vertical line that passes through the
vertex of a parabolic function

4
 Axis of
Symmetry

Vertex

5
 Vertex Form of Quadratic
Vertex Form Vertex:
(h, k)
y  a( x  h)  k
2
Axis of
Symmetry:
x=h

6
 Vertex Form of Quadratic
Vertex Form Direction:
– If a > 0,
y  a( x  h)  k
2 opens up
– If a < 0,
opens down
Size:
– If a is a fraction
between -1 and 1
Wider
– If a is bigger than 1
or smaller than -1
Narrower 7
 Examples
Graph the quadratic function. Label the
vertex and axis of symmetry.

1. y  2( x  1)  42

a  2; h  1; k  4
– Vertex: (-1, -4)
– Axis of Symmetry: x = -1
– Direction: Opens Up
– Size: Narrower
8
1. y  2( x  1)2  4
Vertex: (-1, -4) Axis of Symmetry: x = -1
Direction: Opens Up Size: Narrower

9
 Graphing with Standard Form
Graph the quadratic function. Label the
vertex and axis of symm.
2. y  x  6 x  16
2 b6
2
6
c  3 9
2

2
y  ____
9  ( x  6x  ____)
2
9  16
y  9  ( x  6 x  9)  16
2

y  9  ( x  3)  16
2

y  ( x  3)  7
2
10
y  ( x  3) 7
2


Vertex: ( 3,7)
Opens up
Standard Size

11
 Examples
3. y  2 x  12 x  14
2
b  6
 6 
2

c     (3)  9
2

 2 
y  ____
18  2( x  6 x  ____)
2
9  14
y  18  2( x  6 x  9)  14
2

y  18  2( x  3)  14
2

y  2( x  3)  4
2
12
y  2( x  3)  4
2

Vertex: (3,  4)
Opens up
Narrower

13
Using TI-83/84 to graph parabolas

Press Y=
enter equation into Y1
Hit Graph
Adjust window as
necessary
(use Zoom or Window)
Example: y  (3x  7)( x  1) 14
Using TI-83/84 to graph parabolas
To find vertex
– Be sure you can view
the vertex in your
current window
– Go to the CALC menu
(press 2nd – TRACE)
– Choose MAX or Min
– Place cursor to left of vertex
– press ENTER
– Place cursor to right of vertex
– press ENTER
– Place cursor close to vertex
– press ENTER
Example: y  (3x  7)( x  1) 15
 Assignment
p.253
#20-37 all
(18 problems)

Math Journal
Sports
p.254 #52
(explain how you found these values)

16