SAT II Math I : Graphing Quadratic Functions

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for SAT II Math I

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Example Questions

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

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