I am often asked how to sketch quadratic graphs. In this tutorial I introduce you to methods that may offer some help. I also revise the methods used in completing the square as another method.

Experiment with the Graph

Move the sliders in the graph below

  1. See how g and h are where the graph crosses the x-axis. (the roots)
  2. See how p stretches the graph. See what happens for positive and negative values.
  3. See how q translates the graph parallel to the x-axis.
  4. See how r translates the graph parallel to the y-axis.