LESSON 2 Graphs of Quadratic Functions

LET’S EXPLORE YOUR UNDERSTANDING!

Start this lesson by generating table of values of quadratic functions and
plotting the points on the coordinate plane. You will investigate the properties of
the graph through guided questions. As you go through this lesson, keep on
thinking about this question: How can the graph of quadratic function be used to
solve real-life problems?

Activity 1: Describe My Paths!

Follow the procedure in doing the activity.

a. Given the quadratic functions 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 − 3 and 𝑦 = −𝑥 2 + 4𝑥 − 1, transform them into

the vertex form 𝑦 = 𝑎(𝑥 − ℎ)2 + 𝑘.

𝑦 = 𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 − 3 𝑦 = −𝑥 2 + 4𝑥 − 1

b. Complete the table of values for 𝑥 and 𝑦.

𝑦 = 𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 − 3 𝑦 = −𝑥 2 + 4𝑥 − 1
x -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5 x -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3
y y

c. Sketch the graph of each function on the Cartesian plane.

𝑦 𝑦

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 d. What have you observed about the opening of the curves? Do you have any idea where you
can relate the opening of the curves?

e. Which of the two quadratic functions has a minimum point? A maximum point? Indicate
below.
Quadratic Function Vertex (Turning Point) Maximum or Minimum Point

𝑦 = 𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 – 3
𝑦 = −𝑥 2 + 4𝑥 − 1

LET’S FIRM UP YOUR UNDERSTANDING!

Now, you will learn more about the graphs of quadratic functions. Before
doing the next activities, read and understand these important notes first.

GRAPHS OF QUADRATIC FUNCTIONS

The graph of a quadratic function Vertex
𝑦 = 𝑎𝑥 2 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐 is called parabola. You Maximum Point
have noticed that the parabola opens point
called vertex which is either the lowest point
or the highest point of the graph. If the value Axis of symmetry
of a > 0, the parabola opens upward and has
a minimum point. If 𝑎 < 0, the parabola
opens downward and has a maximum point.
There is a line called the axis of
symmetry which divides the graph into two
parts such that one-half of the graph is a
reflection of the other half. If the quadratic
function is expressed in the form 𝑦 = 𝑎(𝑥 −
ℎ)2 + 𝑘, the vertex is the point (𝒉, 𝒌). The
line 𝒙 = 𝒉 is the axis of symmetry and k is Vertex

the minimum or maximum value of the Axis of symmetry Minimum Point

function.
The domain of a quadratic function is the set of all real numbers. The range depends on
whether the parabola opens upward or downward. If it opens upward, the range is the set
{𝑦: 𝑦 ≥ 𝑘}; if it opens downward, then the range is the set {𝑦: 𝑦 ≤ 𝑘}.

Learn more about graphs of quadratic functions through the WEB. You may check out the
following links:
https://www.wtamu.edu/academic/anns/mps/math/mathlab/col_algebra/col_alg_tut34_q
uadfun.htm
https://www.mathsisfun.com/algebra/quadratic-equation-graphing.html

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Example: Graph the quadratic function 𝑦 = −𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 + 8 and identify its properties.

Solution:
a. Construct a table of values for 𝑥 and 𝑦.
𝒙 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2
𝒚 0 5 8 9 8 5 0

b. Sketch the graph on the Cartesian plane.

Vertex

𝒉 = −𝟏

c. Transform the given quadratic function 𝑦 = −𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 + 8 into the vertex form.

𝑏 4𝑎𝑐−𝑏2
By applying the formula ℎ = − and 𝑘 = and 𝑎 = −1, 𝑏 = −2, 𝑐 = 8.
2𝑎 4𝑎

4𝑎𝑐 − 𝑏 2
𝑏 𝑘=
ℎ=− 4𝑎 By substituting the solved values of ℎ
2𝑎
(4 ∙ −1 ∙ 8) − (−2) 2 and 𝑘 in 𝑦 = 𝑎(𝑥 − ℎ)2 + 𝑘, we obtain the
−(−2) 𝑘= vertex form 𝒚 = −(𝒙 + 𝟏)𝟐 + 𝟗.
ℎ= 4 ∙ −1
2 ∙ −1
−32 − 4
𝑘=
2 −4
ℎ=
−2 −36
𝑘=
ℎ = −1 −4

𝑘=9

d. Identify the properties of the graph of 𝑦 = −𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 + 8.

Vertex: (−𝟏, 𝟗) (since vertex = (ℎ, 𝑘))

Opening of the graph: downward (since the value of 𝑎 is negative)
Vertex is at: Maximum Point (since the graph opens downward)
Axis of Symmetry: 𝒙 = −𝟏 (𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑥 = ℎ)
Domain: Set of all real numbers
Range: {𝒚: 𝒚 ≤ 𝟗} (since {𝑦: 𝑦 ≤ 𝑘} if the graph opens downward)

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 ANALYZING THE EFFECTS OF CHANGING THE VALUES OF 𝒂, 𝒉, and 𝒌
In the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑎𝑥 2 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐, the larger the |𝑎| is, the narrower is
the graph.

For 𝑎 > 0, the parabola opens upward.

To graph 𝑦 = 𝑎(𝑥 − ℎ)2 , slide the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑎𝑥 2 horizontally ℎ
units. If ℎ > 0, slide it to the right, if ℎ < 0, slide it to the left. The graph has
vertex (ℎ, 0) and its axis is the line 𝑥 = ℎ.

To graph 𝑦 = 𝑎𝑥 2 + 𝑘, slide the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑎𝑥 2 vertically 𝑘 units. If

𝑘 > 0 slide it upward; if 𝑘 < 0, slide it downward. The graph has vertex
(0, 𝑘) and its axis of symmetry is the line 𝑥 = 0 (𝑦 − axis).

To graph 𝑦 = 𝑎(𝑥 − ℎ)2 + 𝑘, slide the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑎𝑥 2 horizontally

ℎ units and vertically 𝑘 units. The graph has a vertex (ℎ, 𝑘) and its axis of
symmetry is the line 𝑥 = ℎ.

If 𝑎 < 0, the parabola opens downward. The same procedure can be applied in transforming
the graph of a quadratic function.

LET’S DEEPEN YOUR UNDERSTANDING!

Were you able to learn a lot about the graphs of quadratic functions? I know you
did! Now try doing the next activity.

Activity 2: Draw and Describe Me!

A. Sketch the graph of each quadratic function and identify the vertex, opening of the graph,
domain, and range. State whether the vertex is a minimum or a maximum point, and write the
equation of the axis of symmetry.

1. 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2

Vertex __________________

Opening of the Graph __________________

Vertex is a _______________ point

Equation of the axis of symmetry ____________

Domain: ____________ Range: _____________

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2. 𝑓(𝑥) = −2𝑥 2 − 2

Vertex __________________

Opening of the Graph __________________

Vertex is a _______________ point

Equation of the axis of symmetry ____________

Domain: ____________ Range: _____________

3. 𝑓(𝑥) = (𝑥 + 2)2 + 3

Vertex __________________

Opening of the Graph __________________

Vertex is a _______________ point

Equation of the axis of symmetry ____________

Domain: ____________ Range: _____________

C. Draw the graphs of the following quadratic functions on the same coordinate plane.
1. 𝑦 = 𝑥 2
2. 𝑦 = 2𝑥 2
3. 𝑦 = 3𝑥 2
1
4. 𝑦 = 2 𝑥 2
1
5. 𝑦 = 𝑥 2
3
6. 𝑦 = −𝑥 2
7. 𝑦 = −2𝑥 2

a. What do you notice about the shape of the quadratic function 𝑦 = 𝑎𝑥 2 ?

b. What happens to the graph when 𝑎 becomes larger?

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 LET’S TRANSFER YOUR UNDERSTANDING!
Great job! Now the goal in the next section is to apply your learning to real-life
situations. You will be given a practical task which will demonstrate your
understanding of the graphs of quadratic functions.

Activity 3: Keep It Real!

A. Solve the following problem.
The path when a stone is thrown can be modelled by 𝑦 = −16𝑥 2 + 10𝑥 + 4, where 𝑦 (in
feet) is the height of the stone 𝑥 seconds after it is released.

a. Graph the function.

b. Determine the maximum height reached by the stone.

c. How long will it take the stone to reach its maximum height?

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LESSON 3 Finding the Equation of a
Quadratic Function
LET’S EXPLORE YOUR UNDERSTANDING!
Let us begin this lesson by recalling the methods of finding the roots of quadratic
equations. Then, relate them with the zeros of quadratic functions. In this lesson,
you will be able to formulate patterns and relationship regarding quadratic
functions. Furthermore, you will be able to solve real-life problems involving
equations of quadratic functions.

Activity 1: Give Me My Roots!

Given a quadratic equation 𝑥 2 − 𝑥 − 6 = 0, find the roots in three methods.

a. Factoring c. Quadratic Formula

b. Completing the Square

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 LET’S FIRM UP YOUR UNDERSTANDING!

How did you find the activity? Your skills in finding the roots will also be the
methods you will be using in finding the zeros of quadratic functions. To better
understand the zeros of quadratic functions and the procedure in finding them,
study the mathematical concepts below.

FINDING THE EQUATION OF A QUADRATIC FUNCTION

The graph of a quadratic function is a parabola.
A parabola can cross the 𝑥-axis once, twice, or never.
The x-coordinates of these points of intersection are
called 𝒙 −intercepts. Let us consider the graph of the
quadratic function 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 − 𝑥 – 6. It shows that
the curve crosses the x-axis at 3 and −2. These are
the x- intercepts of the graph of the function.
Similarly, 3 and −2 are the zeros of the function since
these are the values of 𝑥 when 𝑦 equals 0. These
zeros of the function can be determined by setting
𝑦 to 0 and solving the resulting equation through
different algebraic methods.

Examples:
1. Find the zeros of the quadratic function 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 − 3𝑥 + 2 by factoring method.

Solution:
Set 𝑦 = 0. Thus,
0 = 𝑥 2 − 3𝑥 + 2
0 = (𝑥 − 2)(𝑥 − 1)
𝑥 − 2 = 0 or 𝑥 − 1 = 0
Then, 𝑥 = 2 and 𝑥 = 1
The zeros of 𝒚 = 𝒙𝟐 − 𝟑𝒙 + 𝟐 are 2 and 1.

2. Find the zeros of the quadratic function 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 + 4𝑥 − 2 using completing the square
method.

Solution:
Set 𝑦 = 0. Thus,
𝑥 2 + 4𝑥 − 2 = 0
𝑥 2 + 4𝑥 = 2
𝑥 2 + 4𝑥 + 4 = 2 + 4
(𝑥 + 2)2 = 6
𝑥 + 2 = ±√6
𝑥 = −2 ± √6
The zeros of 𝒚 = 𝒙𝟐 − 𝟑𝒙 + 𝟐 are −𝟐 + √𝟔 and −𝟐 − √𝟔.

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3. Find the zeros of the quadratic function 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 + 𝑥 − 12 using the quadratic formula.

Solution:
Set 𝑦 = 0.
In 0 = 𝑥 2 + 𝑥 − 12, 𝑎 = 1, 𝑏 = 1, 𝑐 = −12.

−𝑏 ± √𝑏 2 − 4𝑎𝑐
𝑥=
2𝑎

−(1) ± √(1)2 − 4(1)(−12)

𝑥=
2(1)

−1 ± √1 + 48
𝑥= −1 + 7 −1 − 7
2 𝑥= 𝑥=
2 2
−1 ± √49 6 −8
𝑥= 𝑥= 𝑥=
2 2 2
−1 ± 7 𝑥=3 𝑥 = −4
𝑥=
2

The zeros of 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝒙𝟐 + 𝒙 − 𝟏𝟐 are 𝟑 and −𝟒.

Now study the next set of illustrative examples.

Examples.
1. Find the quadratic function whose zeros are −1 and 4.

Solution:

If the zeros are −1 and 4, then 𝑥 = −1 or 𝑥 = 4. It follows that

𝑥 + 1 = 0 𝑜𝑟 𝑥 − 4 = 0, then
(𝑥 + 1)(𝑥 − 4) = 0
𝑥 2 − 3𝑥 − 4 = 0
Thus, the quadratic function whose zeros are −𝟏 and 𝟒 is 𝒙𝟐 − 𝟑𝒙 − 𝟒 = 𝟎.

2. Determine the equation of the quadratic function represented by the table of values
below.
𝑥 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3
𝑦 24 16 10 6 4 4 6
Solution:

Notice that you can’t find any zeros from the given table of values. In this case, take
any three ordered pairs from the table, and use these as the values of x and y in the
equation y = ax2 + bx + c. Let’s say
Using point (1,4) 4 = 𝑎(1)2 + 𝑏(1) + 𝑐
4=𝑎+𝑏+𝑐 → equation 1

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 Using point (−1,10) 10 = 𝑎(−1)2 + 𝑏(−1) + 𝑐
10 = 𝑎 − 𝑏 + 𝑐 → equation 2
Using point (2,4) 4 = 𝑎(2)2 + 𝑏(2) + 𝑐
4 = 4𝑎 + 2𝑏 + 𝑐 → equation 3
We obtain a system of 3 equations in 𝑎, 𝑏, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑐.
Add corresponding terms in eq.1 and eq.2 to eliminate 𝑏
eq.1 and eq.2 4=𝑎+𝑏+𝑐
10 = 𝑎 − 𝑏 + 𝑐
We have 14 = 2𝑎 + 2𝑐 → equation 4
Multiply the terms in eq. 2 by 2 and add corresponding terms in eq. 3 to eliminate 𝑏
Twice (eq.2) + eq. 3 20 = 2𝑎 − 2𝑏 + 2𝑐
4 = 4𝑎 + 2𝑏 + 𝑐
24 = 6𝑎 + 3𝑐 → equation 5
Notice that equation 4 and 5 constitute a system of linear equations in two variables.
To solve for 𝑐, multiply the terms in equation 4 by 3 and subtract corresponding terms
in equation 5.
Thrice (eq.3) – eq. 5 42 = 6𝑎 + 6𝑐
24 = 6𝑎 + 3𝑐
18 = 3𝑐
𝑐=6
Substitute the value of 𝑐 in equation 4 and solve for 𝑎.
14 = 2𝑎 + 2(6)
14 = 2𝑎 + 12
2𝑎 = 14 − 12
𝑎=1
Substitute the value of 𝑐 and 𝑎 in equation 1 and solve for 𝑏.
4=𝑎+𝑏+𝑐
4=1+𝑏+6
4=7+𝑏
𝑏 =4−7
𝑏 = −3
Thus, 𝒂 = 𝟏, 𝒃 = −𝟑, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒄 = 𝟔. Substitute these in 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝒂𝒙𝟐 + 𝒃𝒙 + 𝒄; the
quadratic function is 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝒙𝟐 − 𝟑𝒙 + 𝟔.

y
3. Find the equation of the quadratic
function determined in the graph at the
x
right.

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 Solution:
The vertex of the graph of the quadratic function is (2, −3). The graph passes
through the point (5,0). By replacing 𝑥 and 𝑦 with 5 and 0, respectively, and ℎ and 𝑘
with 2 and −3, respectively, we have
𝑦 = 𝑎(𝑥 − ℎ)2 + 𝑘
0 = 𝑎(5 − 2)2 + (−3)
0 = 𝑎(3)2 − 3
3 = 9𝑎
1
𝑎=3
𝟏 𝟏 𝟑 𝟓
Thus, the quadratic equation is 𝒚 = 𝟑 (𝒙 − 𝟐)𝟐 − 𝟑 or 𝒚 = 𝟑 𝒙𝟐 − 𝟒 𝒙 − 𝟑.

Aside from the method presented above, you can also determine the equation of a
quadratic function by getting the coordinates of any 3 points lying on the graph. You can follow
the steps in finding the equation of a quadratic function using this method by following the
illustrative example presented previously in this section.

LET’S DEEPEN YOUR UNDERSTANDING!

Your goal in the next section is to apply the concepts you have learned in finding
Type equation here.the zeros of the quadratic function and deriving the equation of
a quadratic function. You will be dealing with some activities and problems to have
mastery of skills needed to perform some tasks ahead.

Activity 2: Match the Zeros!

Matching Type. Each quadratic function has a corresponding letter. Similarly, each box with
the zeros of the quadratic function inside has a corresponding blank below. Write the indicated
letter of the quadratic function on the corresponding blank below the box containing the zeros
of the function to get the hidden message.

𝒀 𝑓(𝑥) = 4𝑥 2 − 25 𝑹 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 − 9
𝑽 𝑓(𝑥) = 9𝑥 2 − 16 𝑬 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 − 5𝑥 − 36
𝑮 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 + 6𝑥 + 9 𝑳 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 − 𝑥 − 20
𝑼 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 − 21 𝑫 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 2 + 𝑥 − 3
𝑺 𝑓(𝑥) = 6𝑥 2 + 5𝑥 − 4 𝑶 𝑓(𝑥) = 6𝑥 2 − 7𝑥 + 2

{−3, −3} 2 1 3 {5, −4} 2 1 4 4 {9, −4} 4 1

{ , } {− , 1} { , } { ,− } {− , }
3 2 2 3 2 3 3 3 2

________ _______ ________ _______ _______ ________ _______ ________

5 5 2 1 {7, −3}
{ ,− } { , }
2 2 3 2

_______ ________ ________

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Activity 3: Derive My Equation!
Determine the equation of the quadratic function:

1. Given its zeros 3 𝑎𝑛𝑑 2.

2. Represented by the table of values below:

𝑥 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1
𝑦 -20 -13 -8 -5 -4 -5

3. Represented by the following graph:

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 LET’S TRANSFER YOUR UNDERSTANDING!
Great job! Now the goal in the next section is to apply your learning to real-life
situations. You will be given a practical task which will demonstrate your
understanding about finding the equations of quadratic functions.

Activity 4: Principle Pattern Organizer!

Make a summary of what you have learned.

DERIVING QUADRATIC EQUATION FROM:

GRAPHS

ZEROS

TABLE OF VALUES

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