MATH 9

Quadratic Functions
Symbol of function → f(x) “f of x”
WHAT IS FUNCTION?
A function is a relation (any set of ordered pairs) where there is exactly one
output for every input. It means for every x there is EXACTLY ONE y.
➔ Relation (ordered pair) → (x,y) Where x is called as abscissa (domain)
and y as ordinate (range)

WHAT IS DOMAIN AND RANGE?

Domain and Range are the components of a function. The domain is the set
of all the input values of a function and range is the possible output given by
the function. Domain → Function → Range

TAKE NOTE:
We can easily determine whether a relation is a function or not by simply
looking if each FIRST ELEMENT (domain) is used ONLY ONCE in the given set.
MATH 9
The Vertical Line Test
A graph represents a function if and only if no vertical line intersects the
graph in more than one point.

WHAT IS QUADRATIC FUNCTION?

2
● A quadratic function has a form f(x)=a𝑥 +bx+c, where a ≠0
● The graph of a quadratic function is U-shaped and is called Parabola.

TERMS TO REMEMBER:

Vertex - Is the lowest point on a parabola that opens upward, or the highest
point on a parabola that opens downward.
Axis of Symmetry - It passes through the vertex.

Parabola - Graph of a Quadratic function

Quadratic Function of the form:

2
a). f(x) = a𝑥
2
b). f(x) = a𝑥 + k
MATH 9
2
c). f(x) = a(x-h)

2
Graph of f(x) = a𝑥
➔ If a>0, the parabola opens upward.
➔ If a<0, the parabola opens downward.
➔ The coefficient a makes the graph narrower or wider. This is called
Stretching/Behavior.
2
➔ The parabola is wider than graph of (fx)=𝑥 if |𝑎|<1 and narrower than
2
the graph of y=𝑥 if |𝑎|>1

BEHAVIOR
● Is it narrower or wider?
➔ If a is less than one it’s WIDER
➔ If a is greater than one it’s NARROWER
➔ If a is equal to one it’s NORMAL
2
Example: h(x) = 2𝑥
➔ a is 2 and 2 is greater than one so it’s NARROWER.

VERTEX
● Lowest or highest point on the graph of a quadratic function is called
the vertex.
2
● The vertex of f(x) = a𝑥 is always (0,0)
➔ When the leading coefficient is positive, the parabola opens upward
and the vertex is a minimum.
➔ When the leading coefficient is negative, the parabola opens
downward and the vertex is a maximum.

DIRECTION
● Means the parabola opens either upward or downward.
➔ If it’s greater than zero it’s UPWARD
MATH 9
➔ If it’s less than zero it’s DOWNWARD
Example:
2
1. f(x)=-𝑥 → Direction is DOWNWARD
2
2. g(x)= -4𝑥 → Absolute value is narrower
|− 4| = 4
➔ If it’s negative it should be DOWNWARD

2
Graph of f(x) = a𝑥 + k
➔ They have the same axis of symmetry, have the same shape and open
in the same direction.
➔ It means there is movement. The k determines if it’s above or below.
● If k>0, the graph is shifted k units above.
● If k<0, the graph is shifted k units below.
2
The vertex of f(x) = a𝑥 + k is (0,k)

2
Graph of f(x) = a(x-h)
➔ The axis of symmetry is the vertical line x=h
➔ h indicates the movement left or right
● If h>0, the graph is shifted to the right.
● If h<0, the graph is shifted to the left.
2
The vertex of f(x) = a(x-h) is (h,0).

Examples:
2
1. g(x)=(x-2)
Vertex: (2,0)
Axis of Symmetry: x=2
Behavior: Normal
Direction: Upward
Movement: 2 units to the right (Because get the opposite sign of h which is
-2)
MATH 9
2
2. h(x)=(x+5)
Vertex: (-5,0)
Axis of Symmetry: x=5
Behavior: Normal
Direction: Upward
Movement: 5 units to the right or 5 units to the left

2
3. f(x)= 2𝑥
Vertex: (0,0)
Axis of Symmetry: X=0
Behavior: Narrower
Direction: Upward
Movement: No movement (There is no h or k)

2
4. g(x)=2(x-2)
Vertex: (2,0)
Axis of Symmetry: x=0
Behavior: Narrower
Direction: Upward
Movement: 2 units to the right

2
5. f(x)= 𝑥 +2
Vertex: (0,2)
Axis of Symmetry: x=0
Behavior: Normal
Direction: Upward
Movement: 2 units above

2
6. f(x)= (x+4)
Vertex: (-4,0)
MATH 9
Axis of Symmetry: x=-4
Behavior: Normal
Direction: Upward
Movement: 4 units to the left

2
Graph of f(x) = a(x-h) + k
● It tells us the movement above, below, left and right
● The axis of symmetry is the vertical line x=h
2
● The graph of f(x) = a(x-h) + k is shifted to the left or right and k units
above or below.
2
● The vertex of f(x) = a(x-h) + k is (h,k)