Quadratic functions and their graphs

A quadratic function is a type of polynomial function that can be written in the form:

f(x)=ax^2+bx+c

where a, b and c are constants and a\ne0.

Quadratic graph shape

The shape of a quadratic function is called a parabola.

Positive quadratics have the shape of a positive parabola - they are upwards sloping (u-shape).

Negative quadratics have the shape of a negative parabola - they are downwards sloping (n-shape).

Question	Answer
What is a quadratic function?	f(x)=ax^2+bx+c where a, b, c are constants and a\ne0
What is the shape of a quadratic function called?	A parabola
What shape does a positive quadratic have?	Upwards sloping (u-shape) known as a positive parabola
What shape does a negative quadratic have?	Downwards sloping (n-shape) known as a negative parabola