1. Coefficients
a, b, and c are coefficients
Examples:
Find a, b, and c

2. Open Up / Open Down

3. Example #1
A > 0
Therefore, the
parabola
opens up

4. Example #2
A < 0
Therefore, the
parabola
opens down

5. Examples:
Determine if the Parabola
Opens Up or
Opens Down

6. Axis of Symmetry Vertex Point
Axis of symmetry is found using
To find the y coordinate of the vertex
point, substitute x into the equation
and solve for y.

7. Examples
Find the vertex point

8. Graphing Quadratic Equations
in Standard Form

9. Notes-Graphing Quadratic Equations 3.1
Steps to graph quadratic equations
1. Put the equation in standard form:
2. Identify the values of a, b, and c.
3. Find the axis of symmetry:
(vertical line)

10. Steps to graph quadratic equations (cont.)
4. Find your vertex (substitute your axis of symmetry
back into the original equation and solve for y).
5. Construct a table of values for x and y. Choose
values of x, two above and two below your vertex.
6. Plot the points and connect them with a U-shaped curve.

11. Graph opens up or opens down?
If a is positive, then the
parabola will open up.
If a is negative, then the
parabola will open down.