Sketching Graphs of Quadratic Functions
Let's make sure we know the definitions of some important terms. These will help us graph later.
Parabola: graph of quadratic function in the standard form f(x)=ax2+bx+c. If a is positive, the parabola opens upward, and if a is negative, the parabola opens downward.
Vertex form: f(x)=a(x−h)2+k
Axis of symmetry: x=h is the vertical line that goes straight down the middle of the parabola.
Vertex: (h,k) or the point where the axis of symmetry meets the parabola.
Minimum point: the lowest point of a parabola
Maximum point: the highest point of a parabola
Parent quadratic function: f(x)=x2.
Every quadratic equation can be manipulated into the form f(x)=a(x−h)2+k. The easiest way to sketch any graph is to make a table of values. You do this by plugging in values for x and calculating the outputs. Then, you plot that point on the graph and continue until you see a pattern. Quadratic functions will always give you a parabola. However, the vertex form helps us graph without a table.
In the equation f(x)=a(x−h)2+k, the vertex is (h,k).
The h in the equation has a negative is being subtracted. This means when you find the vertex, you take the opposite of the number. For example, if you have the equation f(x)=a(x−2)2+1, the vertex is (2,1).
Next, you want to look at the shifts. The parent parabola is x2. A shift rightward would look like f(x)=a(x−h)2+k when h is positive, but there is a negative sign because it is subtracted from x. A shift leftward would look like f(x)=a(x+h)2+k when h is negative, but there is a positive sign because it is subtracted from x.
A shift upward would look like f(x)=a(x−h)2+k when k is positive. A shift downward would look like f(x)=a(x−h)2−k when k is negative.
Remember, the coordinates of the point (h,k) is also called the vertex. The vertical line at x=h is known as the axis of symmetry, and a parabola is symmetric (both sides of the axis of symmetry are mirror images of each other).