Graphing f(x) = ax²

Overview

Goal. Graph f(x) = ax², and describe how the coefficient a stretches, compresses, or reflects the parabola while the vertex stays at the origin.

Parabola (definition). The U-shaped graph of a quadratic function.

The parent parabola: how a stretches, compresses, and reflects f(x) = ax².

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Goal. Explore f(x) = ax² by dragging, then read off vertices, values, widths, and maximums or minimums from the equation alone.

Vertex (definition). The lowest or highest point of a parabola.