Objectives 

• Vertex

• Intercepts

• Graphing Parabolas

• Optimization Problems

Examples

• Example 1

• Example 2

• Example 3

• Example 4

The standard form of a quadratic function of one variable is

We can use our knowledge about quadratic equations to draw and describe graphs of quadratic functions. 

These graphs all have the same special shape, called a "parabola."

One of our goals will be to locate the special points on the parabola.

As with earlier graphing problems, we will locate the x-intercepts and y-intercepts.

Furthermore, we will learn how to locate a new special point, called the "vertex," i.e. the point where the graph changes direction.