Unit: Quadratic Equations and Inequalities Module: Graphs of Quadratics [Page 1 of 1]

Finding x- and y- Intercepts

• An x-intercept is a point where a curve crosses the x-axis.

• A y-intercept is a point where a curve crosses the y-axis.

• A line will have one x-intercept and one y-intercept (with the exception of
horizontal or vertical lines). A curve may have more than one of either
intercept. A curve may have none of either or both intercepts.

Significant points on any curve and its graphs are the

points where the curve crosses each of the two axes.

The curve crosses the y-axis at any point where there is

no sideways movement from the origin; i.e., where x =
0.

The curve crosses the x-axis at any point where there is

no vertical movement from the origin; i.e., where y = 0.

To find the x-intercept, let y = 0, and solve for x. In this

case, x = 6 where y = 0.

To find the y-intercept, let x = 0, and solve the equation

for y.

In this example, y = 12/5 when x = 0.

Now that you have two points on the line, graphing the
line becomes fairly simple.

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 Unit: Quadratic Equations and Inequalities Module: Graphs of Quadratics [Page 2 of 2]

Finding x- and y- Intercepts

To find the y-intercept, let x = 0 and solve.

In this case, y = 3 is a quick find.

To find the x-intercept, let y = 0 and solve.

Factoring is required to find there are two x intercepts, x

= 3 and x = 1.

Now draw a quick sketch of the curve to see what we

have. It's a matter of placing the points and connecting
the dots to show us that we have a parabola for this
equation.

This equation follows the exact same procedures as the

two examples above.

Find an x-intercept: when y = 0, x = 12.

Find y-intercepts: when x = 0, y = 6 and
y = -2.

Graphing this one again reveals a parabola, but one

opening to the left.

Using these intercepts gives a quick and easy way to

sketch the graph of an equation. Using them lets us
visually understand what the equation is saying.

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 Unit: Quadratic Equations and Inequalities Module: Graphs of Quadratics [Page 1 of 1]

Nice Looking Parabolas

• Standard form of a parabola: f (x) = ax 2 + bx + c.

• Vertex of a parabola: (h,k).

• h = -b/2a.
• k = f (h).

• Standard form for parabola showing vertex: f (x) = a (x - h)2 + k.

The direction a parabola opens is easy to determine.

Look at the coefficient of the squared term in the
function.

If the coefficient is positive, the curve opens in the

positive direction.

If the coefficient is negative, the curve opens in the

negative direction.

First, consider the standard form of a parabola:

f (x) = a (x – h)2 + k

Then look at this example.

The vertex (h, k) is easily determined to be (-3, -4).

Remember: h is subtracting so change the sign of the

x-value before using it in the vertex.

Notice: Downturning parabolas have negative

coefficients on the squared term in their equations.

Notice: The x-value changes sign as a coordinate from

what is used in the equation.

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 Unit: Quadratic Equations and Inequalities Module: Graphs of Quadratics [Page 1 of 1]

Graphing Parabolas

• Standard form for a parabola: f (x) = a (x - h)2 + k.

• Finding the intercepts of a curve can yield useful points in graphing the
curve.
• Find the vertex first because that’s pretty obvious: (h, k).
• Determine whether the curve is a positive or negative parabola.
• Set the expression equal to 0 and solve for the x-values. These are the
points where the curve crosses the x-axis.

• The axis of symmetry is the imaginary line that passes through the vertex
and is parallel to the axis along which the curve is opening.

This example is for a negative curve – because the

coefficient is negative.
The vertex is shown in the expression: (-3,2).
Remember: the x-value changes sign.

To find the x-intercepts, set everything equal to 0 and

solve for x.

These are the points where the curve crosses the x-axis.

Graph everything and you are done.

For this example, you must find the vertex.

Use your formulas for h and k:
x = h = -b/2a
x = h = -(-2)/2(1) = 2/2 = 1
and y = k = f(h)
y = k = f(1) = (1)2 - 2(1) + 3 = 2
The vertex is (1,2).

The coefficient is positive so you know the curve will open

upward.

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 Unit: Quadratic Equations and Inequalities Module: Graphs of Quadratics [Page 2 of 2]

Graphing Parabolas
With the vertex above the x-axis and the curve opening
upward, you know the curve will never cross the x-axis.

So look for the y-intercept.

Solve f (x) for x = 0. This y-value is where the curve will
cross the y-axis.
In this case, that is the point (0,3).

Now, use the fact that a parabola has symmetry to help

locate a second point.

In this example, the y-intercept is to the left 1 unit and up 1

unit from the vertex. So, to graph your matching point,
locate the point that is to the right 1 unit and up 1 unit from
the vertex.

Now your curve is noted and you can draw it.

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Copyright  2001, Thinkwell Corp. All Rights Reserved. 6437 –rev 04/19/2001