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.

Summary/Background

Software/Applets used on this page
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.
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.
This question appears in the following syllabi:
Syllabus | Module | Section | Topic | Exam Year |
---|---|---|---|---|
AQA GCSE (9-1) Foundation (UK) | A: Graphs | A12: Sketching Graphs of Functions | Graphs of Quadratics | - |
CBSE IX (India) | Algebra | Polynomials | Constant, linear, quadratic and cubic | - |
CIE IGCSE (9-1) Maths (0626 UK) | 2 Algebra and Graphs | B2.10 Further Graphing | Graphs of Quadratics | - |
Edexcel GCSE (9-1) Foundation (UK) | A: Graphs | A12: Sketching Graphs of Functions | Graphs of Quadratics | - |
GCSE Foundation (UK) | Algebra | Graphs | Quadratic curves | - |
GCSE Higher (UK) | Algebra | Graphs | Quadratic curves | - |
OCR GCSE (9-1) Foundation (UK) | 7: Graphs of Equations and Functions | 7.01b: Graphs of Equations and Functions | Graphs of Quadratics | - |
Universal (all site questions) | G | Graphs | Quadratic curves | - |