Chapter 6
Quadratic Functions and Relations
A quadratic function is created from a quadratic expression — an expression with a variable raised to the second power. The graphs of quadratic functions look like U-shaped curves that open upward or downward. A quadratic relation may open left or right. The key to graphing a quadratic function or relation is to find its vertex, determine which way it opens, and find a point or two that can be used to sketch the curve.
The Problems You’ll Work On
In this chapter, you’ll work with quadratic curves in the following ways:
Determining the vertex and intercepts from the function rule
Rewriting quadratic functions in the standard form for a parabola
Sketching the graphs of parabolas
Using quadratic functions and their properties to solve applications
What to Watch Out For
Don’t let common mistakes trip you up; watch for the following when working with quadratic curves:
Finding the opposite of the coefficient of b when solving for the coordinates ...
