Graphing Quadratic Functions

Graphing quadratic functions involves plotting a parabola, a U-shaped curve, on a coordinate plane. The function is typically written as y = ax² + bx + c, where different values of a, b, and c shape the parabola's size and position. The key features include the vertex (highest or lowest point), axis of symmetry (a vertical line through the vertex), and intercepts (where the parabola crosses axes). To graph it, find the vertex and some additional points, then draw a smooth curve through these points, reflecting the parabola's symmetrical nature on both sides of the vertex.