9-3

9-3 Graphing
GraphingQuadratic
QuadraticFunctions
Functions

Warm Up
Lesson Presentation
Lesson Quiz

Holt
Holt
Holt McDougal
Algebra 1Algebra
McDougal Algebra11
 9-3 Graphing Quadratic Functions

Warm Up

Find the axis of symmetry.

1. y = 4x2 – 7 x = 0 2. y = x2 – 3x + 1

3. y = –2x2 + 4x + 3 x = 1 4. y = –2x2 + 3x – 1

Find the vertex.

5. y = x2 + 4x + 5 (–2, 1) 6. y = 3x2 + 2 (0, 2)

7. y = 2x2 + 2x – 8

Holt McDougal Algebra 1

 9-3 Graphing Quadratic Functions

Objective
Graph a quadratic function in the form
y = ax2 + bx + c.

Holt McDougal Algebra 1

 9-3 Graphing Quadratic Functions

Recall that a y-intercept is the y-coordinate of

the point where a graph intersects the y-axis.
The x-coordinate of this point is always 0. For a
quadratic function written in the form
y = ax2 + bx + c, when x = 0, y = c. So the
y-intercept of a quadratic function is c.

Holt McDougal Algebra 1

 9-3 Graphing Quadratic Functions
Example 1: Graphing a Quadratic Function
Graph y = 3x2 – 6x + 1.
Step 1 Find the axis of symmetry.
Use x = . Substitute 3
for a and –6 for b.
=1 Simplify.
The axis of symmetry is x = 1.
Step 2 Find the vertex.
y = 3x2 – 6x + 1 The x-coordinate of the vertex
= 3(1)2 – 6(1) + 1 is 1. Substitute 1 for x.
=3–6+1 Simplify.
= –2 The y-coordinate is –2.
The vertex is (1, –2).
Holt McDougal Algebra 1
 9-3 Graphing Quadratic Functions
Example 1 Continued

Step 3 Find the y-intercept.

y = 3x2 – 6x + 1
y = 3x2 – 6x + 1 Identify c.

The y-intercept is 1; the graph passes through (0, 1).

Holt McDougal Algebra 1

 9-3 Graphing Quadratic Functions
Example 1 Continued

Step 4 Find two more points on the same side of

the axis of symmetry as the point containing
the y-intercept.
Since the axis of symmetry is x = 1, choose x-
values less than 1.
Substitute
Let x = –1. Let x = –2.
x-coordinates.
y = 3(–1)2 – 6(–1) + 1 y = 3(–2)2 – 6(–2) + 1
=3+6+1 Simplify. = 12 + 12 + 1
= 10 = 25
Two other points are (–1, 10) and (–2, 25).

Holt McDougal Algebra 1

 9-3 Graphing Quadratic Functions
Example 1 Continued
Graph y = 3x2 – 6x + 1.
Step 5 Graph the axis of Step 6 Reflect the points
symmetry, the vertex, the point across the axis of
containing the y-intercept, and symmetry. Connect the
two other points. points with a smooth curve.

(–2, 25) (–2, 25)

x=1 x=1

(–1, 10) (–1, 10)

(0, 1)
(0, 1)
(1, –2) (1, –2)
Holt McDougal Algebra 1
 9-3 Graphing Quadratic Functions

Helpful Hint
Because a parabola is symmetrical, each point is
the same number of units away from the axis of
symmetry as its reflected point.

Holt McDougal Algebra 1

 9-3 Graphing Quadratic Functions
Check It Out! Example 1a
Graph the quadratic function.
y = 2x2 + 6x + 2

Step 1 Find the axis of symmetry.

Use x = . Substitute 2
for a and 6 for b.

Simplify.

The axis of symmetry is x .

Holt McDougal Algebra 1

 9-3 Graphing Quadratic Functions
Check It Out! Example 1a Continued

Step 2 Find the vertex.

y = 2x2 + 6x + 2
The x-coordinate of the vertex is
. Substitute for

=4 –9+2 x.
Simplify.

= –2 The y-coordinate is .

The vertex is .

Holt McDougal Algebra 1

 9-3 Graphing Quadratic Functions
Check It Out! Example 1a Continued

Step 3 Find the y-intercept.

y = 2x2 + 6x + 2
y = 2x2 + 6x + 2 Identify c.

The y-intercept is 2; the graph passes through (0, 2).

Holt McDougal Algebra 1

 9-3 Graphing Quadratic Functions
Check It Out! Example 1a Continued
Step 4 Find two more points on the same side of
the axis of symmetry as the point containing
the y-intercept.
Since the axis of symmetry is x = –1 , choose x
values greater than –1 .
Let x = –1 Let x = 1
y = 2(–1)2 + 6(–1) + 2 Substitute y = 2(1)2 + 6(1) + 2
=2–6+2 x-coordinates. = 2 + 6 + 2
= –2 Simplify. = 10
Two other points are (–1, –2) and (1, 10).

Holt McDougal Algebra 1

 9-3 Graphing Quadratic Functions
Check It Out! Example 1a Continued
y = 2x2 + 6x + 2
Step 5 Graph the axis of Step 6 Reflect the points
symmetry, the vertex, the point across the axis of
containing the y-intercept, and symmetry. Connect the
two other points. points with a smooth curve.

(1, 10) (1, 10)

(–1, –2)
(–1, –2)

Holt McDougal Algebra 1

 9-3 Graphing Quadratic Functions
Check It Out! Example 1b
Graph the quadratic function.
y + 6x = x2 + 9
y = x2 – 6x + 9 Rewrite in standard form.
Step 1 Find the axis of symmetry.

Use x = . Substitute 1
for a and –6 for b.
=3 Simplify.

The axis of symmetry is x = 3.

Holt McDougal Algebra 1
 9-3 Graphing Quadratic Functions
Check It Out! Example 1b Continued

Step 2 Find the vertex.

y = x2 – 6x + 9
y = 32 – 6(3) + 9 The x-coordinate of the vertex is
3. Substitute 3 for x.
= 9 – 18 + 9 Simplify.
=0 The y-coordinate is 0.

The vertex is (3, 0).

Holt McDougal Algebra 1

 9-3 Graphing Quadratic Functions
Check It Out! Example 1b Continued

Step 3 Find the y-intercept.

y = x2 – 6x + 9
y = x2 – 6x + 9 Identify c.

The y-intercept is 9; the graph passes through (0, 9).

Holt McDougal Algebra 1

 9-3 Graphing Quadratic Functions
Check It Out! Example 1b Continued
Step 4 Find two more points on the same side of
the axis of symmetry as the point containing
the y- intercept.
Since the axis of symmetry is x = 3, choose
x-values less than 3.
Let x = 2 Let x = 1
y = 1(2)2 – 6(2) + 9 Substitute y = 1(1)2 – 6(1) + 9
= 4 – 12 + 9 x-coordinates. =1–6+9
=1 Simplify.
=4
Two other points are (2, 1) and (1, 4).

Holt McDougal Algebra 1

 9-3 Graphing Quadratic Functions
Check It Out! Example 1b Continued
y = x2 – 6x + 9
Step 5 Graph the axis of Step 6 Reflect the points
symmetry, the vertex, the point across the axis of symmetry.
containing the y-intercept, and Connect the points with a
two other points. smooth curve.

x=3
(0, 9) x=3 (0, 9)

(1, 4) (1, 4)
(2, 1) (2, 1)
(3, 0)
(3, 0)

Holt McDougal Algebra 1

 9-3 Graphing Quadratic Functions
Example 2: Application

The height in feet of a basketball that is

thrown can be modeled by f(x) = –16x2
+ 32x, where x is the time in seconds
after it is thrown. Find the basketball’s
maximum height and the time it takes
the basketball to reach this height. Then
find how long the basketball is in the
air.

Holt McDougal Algebra 1

 9-3 Graphing Quadratic Functions
Example 2 Continued
1 Understand the Problem

The answer includes three parts: the

maximum height, the time to reach the
maximum height, and the time to reach the
ground.
List the important information:
• The function f(x) = –16x2 + 32x models the
height of the basketball after x seconds.

Holt McDougal Algebra 1

 9-3 Graphing Quadratic Functions
Example 2 Continued

2 Make a Plan

Find the vertex of the graph because the

maximum height of the basketball and the
time it takes to reach it are the coordinates of
the vertex. The basketball will hit the ground
when its height is 0, so find the zeros of the
function. You can do this by graphing.

Holt McDougal Algebra 1

 9-3 Graphing Quadratic Functions
Example 2 Continued

3 Solve
Step 1 Find the axis of symmetry.

Use x = . Substitute
–16 for a and 32 for b.
Simplify.

The axis of symmetry is x = 1.

Holt McDougal Algebra 1

 9-3 Graphing Quadratic Functions
Example 2 Continued

Step 2 Find the vertex.

f(x) = –16x2 + 32x The x-coordinate of

the vertex is 1.
= –16(1)2 + 32(1)
Substitute 1 for x.
= –16(1) + 32
= –16 + 32 Simplify.
= 16 The y-coordinate is 16.
The vertex is (1, 16).

Holt McDougal Algebra 1

 9-3 Graphing Quadratic Functions
Example 2 Continued

Step 3 Find the y-intercept.

f(x) = –16x2 + 32x + 0 Identify c.

The y-intercept is 0; the graph passes

through (0, 0).

Holt McDougal Algebra 1

 9-3 Graphing Quadratic Functions
Example 2 Continued

Step 4 Graph the axis of symmetry, the vertex,

and the point containing the y-intercept. Then
reflect the point across the axis of symmetry.
Connect the points with a smooth curve.
(1, 16)

(0, 0) (2, 0)

Holt McDougal Algebra 1

 9-3 Graphing Quadratic Functions
Example 2 Continued
The vertex is (1, 16). So at 1 second, the
basketball has reached its maximum height of 16
feet. The graph shows the zeros of the function are
0 and 2. At 0 seconds the basketball has not yet
been thrown, and at 2 seconds it reaches the
ground. The basketball is in the air for 2 seconds.
(1, 16)

(0, 0) (2, 0)

Holt McDougal Algebra 1

 9-3 Graphing Quadratic Functions
Example 2 Continued
4 Look Back
Check by substitution (1, 16) and (2, 0)
into the function.
?
16 = –16(1)2 + 32(1)
?
16 = –16 + 32
16 = 16
?
0 = –16(2)2 + 32(2)
?
0 = –64 + 64
0 = 0

Holt McDougal Algebra 1

 9-3 Graphing Quadratic Functions

Remember!
The vertex is the highest or lowest point on a
parabola. Therefore, in the example, it gives the
maximum height of the basketball.

Holt McDougal Algebra 1

 9-3 Graphing Quadratic Functions
Check It Out! Example 2
As Molly dives into her pool, her height
in feet above the water can be modeled
by the function f(x) = –16x2 + 16x + 12,
where x is the time in seconds after she
begins diving. Find the maximum height
of her dive and the time it takes Molly to
reach this height. Then find how long it
takes her to reach the pool.

Holt McDougal Algebra 1

 9-3 Graphing Quadratic Functions
Check It Out! Example 2 Continued

1 Understand the Problem

The answer includes three parts: the

maximum height, the time to reach the
maximum height, and the time to reach the
pool.
List the important information:
• The function f(x) = –16x2 + 16x + 12
models the height of the dive after x
seconds.

Holt McDougal Algebra 1

 9-3 Graphing Quadratic Functions
Check It Out! Example 2 Continued
2 Make a Plan

Find the vertex of the graph because the

maximum height of the dive and the time it
takes to reach it are the coordinates of the
vertex. The diver will hit the water when its
height is 0, so find the zeros of the function.
You can do this by graphing.

Holt McDougal Algebra 1

 9-3 Graphing Quadratic Functions
Check It Out! Example 2 Continued

3 Solve
Step 1 Find the axis of symmetry.

Use x = . Substitute
–16 for a and 16 for b.
Simplify.

The axis of symmetry is x = 0.5.

Holt McDougal Algebra 1

 9-3 Graphing Quadratic Functions
Check It Out! Example 2 Continued
Step 2 Find the vertex.

f(x) = –16x2 + 16x + 12

The x-coordinate of
= –16(0.5) + 16(0.5) +12
2
the vertex is 0.5.
Substitute 0.5 for x.
= –16(0.25) + 8 +12 Simplify.
= –4 + 20
= 16 The y-coordinate is 9.
The vertex is (0.5, 16).

Holt McDougal Algebra 1

 9-3 Graphing Quadratic Functions
Check It Out! Example 2 Continued

Step 3 Find the y-intercept.

f(x) = –16x2 + 16x + 12 Identify c.

The y-intercept is 12; the graph passes

through (0, 12).

Holt McDougal Algebra 1

 9-3 Graphing Quadratic Functions
Check It Out! Example 2 Continued
Step 4 Find another point on the same side
of the axis of symmetry as the point
containing the y-intercept.
Since the axis of symmetry is x = 0.5, choose
an x-value that is less than 0.5.

Let x = 0.25
f(x) = –16(0.25)2 + 16(0.25) + 12 Substitute 0.25 for x.
= –1 + 4 + 12 Simplify.
= 15
Another point is (0.25, 15).

Holt McDougal Algebra 1

 9-3 Graphing Quadratic Functions
Check It Out! Example 2 Continued
Step 5 Graph the axis of symmetry, the
vertex, the point containing the y-intercept,
and the other point. Then reflect the points
across the axis of symmetry. Connect the
points with a smooth curve.

Holt McDougal Algebra 1

 9-3 Graphing Quadratic Functions
Check It Out! Example 2 Continued
The vertex is (0.5, 16). So at 0.5 seconds,
Molly's dive has reached its maximum height of
16 feet. The graph shows the zeros of the
function are –0.5 and 1.5 seconds. At –0.5
seconds the dive has not begun, and at 1.5
seconds she reaches the pool. Molly reaches
the pool in 1.5 seconds.

Holt McDougal Algebra 1

 9-3 Graphing Quadratic Functions
Check It Out! Example 2 Continued
4 Look Back
Check by substituting (0.5, 16) and (1.5, 0)
into the function.
?
16 = –16(0.5)2 + 16(0.5) + 12
?
16 = –4 + 8 +12
16 = 16
?
0 = –16(1.5)2 + 16(1.5) +12
?
0 = –36 + 24 + 12
0 = 0

Holt McDougal Algebra 1

 9-3 Graphing Quadratic Functions
Lesson Quiz
1. Graph y = –2x2 – 8x + 4.

2. The height in feet of a

fireworks shell can be modeled
by h(t) = –16t2 + 224t, where t
is the time in seconds after it is
fired. Find the maximum height
of the shell, the time it takes to
reach its maximum height, and
length of time the shell is in the
air.
784 ft; 7 s; 14 s
Holt McDougal Algebra 1