Algebra 1 : How to graph a quadratic function

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for Algebra 1

varsity tutors app store varsity tutors android store

Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Quadratic Functions

What is the minimum possible value of the expression below?

Possible Answers:

The expression has no minimum value.

Correct answer:

Explanation:

We can determine the lowest possible value of the expression by finding the -coordinate of the vertex of the parabola graphed from the equation . This is done by rewriting the equation in vertex form.

The vertex of the parabola  is the point .

The parabola is concave upward (its quadratic coefficient is positive), so  represents the minimum value of . This is our answer.

Example Question #1 : Graphing Parabolas

What is the vertex of the function ? Is it a maximum or minimum?

Possible Answers:

; maximum

; maximum

; minimum

; minimum

Correct answer:

; minimum

Explanation:

The equation of a parabola can be written in vertex form: .

The point  in this format is the vertex. If  is a postive number the vertex is a minimum, and if  is a negative number the vertex is a maximum.

In this example, . The positive value means the vertex is a minimum.

Example Question #2 : Graphing Polynomial Functions

Which of the graphs best represents the following function?

Possible Answers:

None of these

Graph_exponential_

Graph_line_

Graph_parabola_

Graph_cube_

Correct answer:

Graph_parabola_

Explanation:

The highest exponent of the variable term is two (). This tells that this function is quadratic, meaning that it is a parabola.

The graph below will be the answer, as it shows a parabolic curve.

Graph_parabola_

Example Question #3321 : Algebra 1

What is the equation of a parabola with vertex  and -intercept ?

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

From the vertex, we know that the equation of the parabola will take the form for some  .

To calculate that , we plug in the values from the other point we are given, , and solve for :

Now the equation is . This is not an answer choice, so we need to rewrite it in some way.

Expand the squared term:

Distribute the fraction through the parentheses:

Combine like terms:

Example Question #2 : Understand Linear And Nonlinear Functions: Ccss.Math.Content.8.F.A.3

Possible Answers:

 

None of the above

 

 

 

Correct answer:

 

Explanation:

Starting with

moves the parabola by  units to the right.

Similarly moves the parabola by  units to the left.

Hence the correct answer is option .

Example Question #1 : How To Graph A Quadratic Function

Which of the following graphs matches the function ?

Possible Answers:

Graph4

Graph2

Graph

Graph1

Graph3

Correct answer:

Graph

Explanation:

Start by visualizing the graph associated with the function :

Graph5

Terms within the parentheses associated with the squared x-variable will shift the parabola horizontally, while terms outside of the parentheses will shift the parabola vertically. In the provided equation, 2 is located outside of the parentheses and is subtracted from the terms located within the parentheses; therefore, the parabola in the graph will shift down by 2 units. A simplified graph of  looks like this:

Graph6

Remember that there is also a term within the parentheses. Within the parentheses, 1 is subtracted from the x-variable; thus, the parabola in the graph will shift to the right by 1 unit. As a result, the following graph matches the given function  :

Graph

Learning Tools by Varsity Tutors