When Is a Function Quadratic?

A quadratic function is one of the form f(x) = ax2 + bx + c, where a, b, and c are numbers with a not equal to zero. The graph of a quadratic function is a curve called a parabola. Parabolas may open upward or downward and vary in "width" or "steepness", but they all have the same basic "U" shape.

Why is a quadratic a function?

A quadratic function is a function of degree two. The graph of a quadratic function is a parabola. The general form of a quadratic function is f(x)=ax2+bx+c where a, b, and c are real numbers and a≠0. The standard form of a quadratic function is f(x)=a(x−h)2+k.

How do you tell if a function is quadratic from a graph?

The graph of a quadratic function is a U-shaped curve called a parabola. The sign on the coefficient a of the quadratic function affects whether the graph opens up or down. If a<0 , the graph makes a frown (opens down) and if a>0 then the graph makes a smile (opens up).

Sophia Al-Mansoor

Sophia Al-Mansoor

Global Business & E-Commerce Reporter

Sophia analyzes international trade, startup ecosystems, retail transformation, and supply chain logistics for modern digital publications.