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To plot the graph of a quadratic function you must first create a table of values. Then choose suitable axes that will allow all these values to be plotted. Plot the values, then draw a smooth curve through the points.
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Summary/Background

quadratic curves These curves are called quadratic curves. When you plot them on a graph they are shaped like a hill or a valley. They always have a vertical line of symmetry going down through the middle.

Software/Applets used on this page

jsMath
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Glossary

axes

One of two straights line on a graph from which measurements are taken. One axis (the y axis) is vertical; the other (the x axis)is horizontal.

function

A rule that connects one value in one set with one and only one value in another set.

graph

A diagram showing a relationship between two variables.
The diagram shows a vertical y axis and a horizontal x axis.

plot

To mark a point on a graph accurately by using its coordinates.

quadratic

A mathematical expression of the 2nd degree; having a x² term but no higher one.

smooth

having negligible friction

union

The union of two sets A and B is the set containing all the elements of A and B.

Full Glossary List

This question appears in the following syllabi:

SyllabusModuleSectionTopicExam Year
AQA GCSE (9-1) Foundation (UK)A: GraphsA12: Sketching Graphs of FunctionsGraphs of Quadratics-
CBSE IX (India)AlgebraPolynomialsConstant, linear, quadratic and cubic-
CIE IGCSE (9-1) Maths (0626 UK)2 Algebra and GraphsB2.10 Further GraphingGraphs of Quadratics-
Edexcel GCSE (9-1) Foundation (UK)A: GraphsA12: Sketching Graphs of FunctionsGraphs of Quadratics-
GCSE Foundation (UK)AlgebraGraphsQuadratic curves-
GCSE Higher (UK)AlgebraGraphsQuadratic curves-
OCR GCSE (9-1) Foundation (UK)7: Graphs of Equations and Functions7.01b: Graphs of Equations and FunctionsGraphs of Quadratics-
Universal (all site questions)GGraphsQuadratic curves-