Quadratic

Functions

Year 10 Maths
The Quadratic Function
Intercepts

The x-intercepts are where the parabola

crosses the x-axis.
This occurs when y=0.

The y-intercept is where the parabola

crosses the y-axis.
This occurs when x=0.
Intercepts
The x-intercepts are where the parabola crosses the x-axis. This occurs when y=0.
The y-intercept is where the parabola crosses the y-axis. This occurs when x=0.
Maximum and Minimum Values
Also called Turning Points or Extremums - found at the vertex of the parabola.
Axis of Symmetry
Graphing Quadratics
As for linear equations, there are a number of forms for graphing quadratic functions:

● If a<0 then the quadratic is concave down

● If a>0 then the quadratic is concave up
● The larger the magnitude of a, the narrower the curve
Example Question:
Find the equation of the quadratic curve with x-intercepts at (-1,0) and (3,0) and
which passes through the point (2,-6).
Example Question:
We can write this equation in the form y = a (x - α)(x - β)

Since the curve has x-intercepts at -1 and 3, we can

say α and β = 1 and -3

(This is so the parenthesis will equal zero and thus

Satisfies the equation for y = 0)

So,

y = a (x + 1)(x - 3)
Example Question:
y = a (x + 1)(x - 3)

Now, since we know the point (2,-6) lies on the curve, we can say:

-6 = a (2 + 1)(2 - 3)

-6 = a (3)(-1)

-6 = -3a

a=2

So the equation of the curve is y = 2(x + 1)(x - 3)

or y = 2x² - 4x - 6
 y = x² - x - 6 y = 5x - x²

y = x² - 5x + 4

y = -x² - 6x - 5 y = x² - 2x + 1
y = 2x² - 12x + 16 y = x² - 3x - 10 y = 3 - 2x - x²
Using the GDC
We can find the equation of a quadratic
using our GDC, provided we have 3 points.
● Go to the Regression app
● Input the points you have been given
● Select ‘Graph’ at the top of the screen,
and then go to ‘Regression’
● Select ‘Quadratic’
This will allow your GDC to recognise
your points as lying on a quadratic curve
● Find the ‘Regression Equation’ given
Using the GDC
We can find the equation of a quadratic
using our GDC, provided we have 3 points.

● Go to the Statistics 2Var

● Input the 3 points
● Hit the ‘Symb’ button and change the
Function type to a Quadratic
● Press Plot to see the Quadratic
● Press ‘Symb’ again to see the equation of
the function in the form y = Ax² + Bx + X