Features of and Sketching

Quadratic Graphs
Amanda Austin
www.drfrost.org
@DrFrostMaths

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Teacher Notes
Prerequisite Representations
Knowledge Used Future Links
• Expand and simplify the • Coordinate axes • Solving quadratic
product of two brackets equations, including
• Factorise by “taking out” quadratic simultaneous
common factors equations, graphically
• Factorise monic and non- • Completing the square
monic quadratic
• Finding the turning point
expressions, including
negatives of a quadratic by
• Solve monic and non-monic completing the square
quadratics by factorisation,
including those requiring
rearrangement
• Substitute values into
algebraic expressions
• Plot a point in any quadrant
given its coordinates
• Plot a linear graph by
completing Throughout the
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Skills in this Lesson
368 Quadratic graphs and their features
368a Determine the -intercept of a quadratic graph with equation given in the form

368b Determine the -intercepts of a quadratic graph with equation given in the form

368c Determine the -intercept of a quadratic graph with equation given in the form

368d Determine the -intercepts of a quadratic graph with equation given in the form

368e Determine the - and -intercepts of a quadratic graph with equation given in the form

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Clicking this box takes you to a single question practice for a
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subskill to allow you further Test Your Understanding opportunities. (e.g.
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Skills in this Lesson
368 Quadratic graphs and their features
368f Determine the - and -intercepts of a quadratic graph with equation given in the form

368g Sketch a quadratic graph given in the form , including its intercepts only.

368h Sketch a quadratic graph given in the form including its intercepts only.

368i Sketch a quadratic graph in the form , including its intercepts only.

368j Sketch a quadratic graph of the form , including its intercepts only.

368k Sketch a quadratic graph of the form , including its intercepts only.

368l Sketch a quadratic graph of the form , including its intercepts only.

368m Identify a sketch of quadratic graph of the form or , including intercepts only.

368n Identify a sketch of a quadratic graph given its equation.

368o Determine the equation of the line of symmetry of a sketched quadratic graph.

368p Determine the line of symmetry of a quadratic graph from its equation.

368q Determine a root of a sketched graph given the turning point and another root.

368r Determine the coordinate of the turning point of a quadratic using symmetry and a sketch of the
graph.
368s Determine the equation of a quadratic function from its graph.
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368t Determine an unknown constant in a quadratic function given a point on the curve and a sketch.
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Contents
For lessons covering many concepts, please click the below to navigate
quickly to the relevant part of the lesson.

Prerequisite Knowledge Check

Recap: Features of Linear Graphs

The Big Idea: Features of Quadratic Graphs

The Big Idea: Finding the Equation of a Quadratic from its
Graph
The Big Idea: Symmetry and Turning Points of Quadratic
Graphs
Exercise: Features of and Sketching Quadratic Graphs

Dr Frost Learning is a registered

charity in England and Wales (no
 Show

Prerequisite Knowledge Check all

solutio
ns

1 For each of the equations, 2 Using your table of values

complete the table of in question 1, plot the
values. graphs of and
a 𝑦 =2 𝑥+1
𝑦

? ? ? ?
b 𝑦 =6 − 𝑥

? ? ? ?

𝑂 𝑥

?
Reveal Graphs
 Show

Prerequisite Knowledge Check all

solutio
ns

3 For each of the equations, 4 Using your table of values

complete the table of in question 3, plot the
values.2 graphs of and
a 𝑦 =𝑥
𝑦

? ? ? ? ?
2
b 𝑦 =1+ 4 𝑥 − 𝑥

? ? ? ? ?

𝑂 𝑥

?
Reveal Graphs
Recap: Recognising Graphs
Match each of the four graphs with its
equation
1
𝑦 2 𝑦 a 𝒚 =𝒙 −𝟑
𝟐
b 𝒚 =𝒙 −𝟑 𝒙
𝟐
c 𝒚 =𝟑 − 𝒙
𝑥
d 𝒚 =𝟑 − 𝒙
3 𝑦 4 𝑦
1 2 3 4
?
c d a b
𝑥
𝑥
Recap: Features of Linear Graphs
What are the two key features of linear
𝑦 graphs? 𝑦
Positiv -intercept
e
gradie
nt Negativ
e
gradient

-intercept

𝑂 𝑥 𝑂 𝑥

1
The This can be positive Where the
2 This is
gradient or (sloping upwards) graph
or negative called the
slope of crosses
(sloping -intercept
the line the -axis
downwards)
Recap: Features of Linear Graphs
How do these features relate to the equation of the
𝑦 line? 𝑦
-intercept =
Gradient =

Gradient =

-intercept =

𝑦 =2 𝑥+1 𝑦 =6 − 𝑥
𝑂 𝑥 𝑂 𝑥

𝑦 =𝑚𝑥+𝑐
is the is the
gradient -intercept
The Big Idea: Key Features of Quadratic
Graphs
What do you think some of the key features
of quadratic graphs might be?
𝑦 2
𝑦
𝑦 =𝑥 2
𝑦 =1+ 4 𝑥 − 𝑥

𝑂 𝑥 𝑂 𝑥

There are actually five key features we can

consider…
The Big Idea: Key Features of Quadratic
Graphs
There are some key features of quadratic graphs that we can
use if we want to sketch a quadratic rather than plot it.

𝑦
1 The shape
of the graph -
or 4 The line of
symmetry of
the graph
2 Where the
graph crosses
the -axis
5 The turning
point of the
graph
3 Where the
graph crosses 𝑥
the -axis 𝑂
The Big Idea: Key Features of Quadratic
Graphs
1 The shape of the For a quadratic equation of the form
graph - or 𝒚 =𝒂 𝒙 𝟐 +𝒃𝒙 + 𝒄

When When
𝑦 𝑦

𝑥 𝑥

For a positive term, we For a negative term, we get a

get a -shaped parabola -shaped inverted parabola

e.g. e.g.
Quickfire Questions
a Write down the shape of b Write down the shape of
the quadratic graph with the quadratic graph with
equation equation

-shape
? -shape
?

c Write down the shape of d Write down the shape of

the quadratic graph with the quadratic graph with
equation equation

-shape
? -shape
?
The Big Idea: Key Features of Quadratic
Graphs
2 Where the graph To find where the quadratic graph
crosses the -axis crosses the -axis, we substitute
into the equation.

Find the point where the Find the point where the
graph of crosses the graph of crosses the -axis
-axis

When When
𝑦 =5 − 0 − 0
2
𝑦 =(0+ 4) (0 −3)
𝑦 =5 𝑦 =4 ×− 3
𝑦 =−12
The coordinates are The coordinates are
Quickfire Questions drfrost.org/ 368a
s/
368c

a Find the point where the b Find the point where the
graph of crosses the graph of
-axis crosses the -axis

(𝟎 ,?−𝟗) (𝟎 , 𝟏𝟐)
?

c Find the point where the d Find the point where the
graph of graph of crosses the -axis
crosses the -axis

(𝟎 ,? 𝟑) (𝟎 ,? 𝟎)
The Big Idea: Key Features of Quadratic
Graphs
3 Where the graph To find where the quadratic graph
crosses the -axis crosses the -axis, we substitute into
the equation and solve for

Find the points where the Find the points where the
graph of crosses the graph of crosses the
-axis -axis

To solve, we need to
factorise:
( 𝑥 − 5 ) ( 2 − 𝑥 )= 0 ( 𝑥 − 3 ) ( 𝑥 +2 ) =0
Either or Either or
or or

The coordinates are and The coordinates are and

Quickfire Questions drfrost.org/ 368b
s/
368d

a Find the point where the b Find the point where the
graph of crosses the -axis graph of crosses the -axis

?
or 𝒙=𝟓 or
? 𝒙=𝟐

c Find the point where the d Find the point where the
graph of crosses the -axis graph of crosses the -axis

𝒙=𝟔 or? 𝒙=−𝟐 ?

Example
Sketch the graph of , stating clearly the coordinates
of any points that cross the axes.

1 The shape of the 2 Where the graph

graph - or crosses the -axis

If we expand the brackets, To find where the graph crosses

we will get a positive term: the
the graph is a -shaped -axis, we set and solve for
parabola 𝑦 =(2 𝑥 −1)( 𝑥 − 4)
𝑦
When
𝑦 =(0 − 1)(0 − 4 )
𝑦 =4
The coordinates are
𝑥
Example
Sketch the graph of , stating clearly the coordinates
of any points that cross the axes.

3 Where the graph Finally, sketch the graph, labelling

the coordinates of intersection
crosses the -axis
with the axes clearly.

To find where the graph crosses

the -axis, we set and solve for
𝑦
( 2 𝑥 − 1 ) ( 𝑥 − 4 ) =0
Either or (0 , 4)
or

The coordinates are and

( 4 , 0)
𝑥
Test Your Understanding drfrost.org/ 368g
s/

Sketch the graph of , stating clearly the coordinates

of any points that cross the axes.

1 The shape of the 2 Where the graph 3 Where the graph

graph - or crosses the -axis crosses the -axis
? Shape ? Crosses
When-axis ? Crosses
When -axis

so or
so and
𝑦

𝑥
(− 3 , 0) ? Sketch(2 , 0)

(0 ,− 6)
Example
Sketch the graph of , stating clearly the
coordinates of any points that cross the axes.

1 The shape of the 2 Where the graph

graph - or crosses the -axis

For a positive term, To find where the graph crosses

we get a -shaped the
parabola -axis, we set and solve for
𝑦 =𝑥2− 6 𝑥 + 8
𝑦
When
2
𝑦 =0 − 6 × 0+8
𝑦 =8
The coordinates are
𝑥
Example
Sketch the graph of , stating clearly the
coordinates of any points that cross the axes.

3 Where the graph Finally, sketch the graph, labelling

the coordinates of intersection
crosses the -axis
with the axes clearly.

To find where the graph crosses

the -axis, we set and solve for
𝑦
2
𝑥 − 6 𝑥 +8 = 0
Solve by factorisation: (0 , 8)
( 𝑥 − 2 ) ( 𝑥 − 4 )= 0
or

The coordinates are and (2 , 0) ( 4 , 0)

𝑥
Test Your Understanding drfrost.org/ 368i
s/

Sketch the graph of , stating clearly the coordinates

of any points that cross the axes.

1 The shape of the 2 Where the graph 3 Where the graph

graph - or crosses the -axis crosses the -axis
? Shape ? Crosses
When -axis When
so ? Crosses -axis

or
𝑦 so and

𝑥
(− 3 , 0) ? Sketch (5 , 0)

(0 ,− 15)
Recognising Graphs
Match each of the four graphs with its
equation
𝟐
1 𝑦 2 𝑦 a 𝒚 =𝒙 +𝟒 𝒙 +𝟑
𝟐
b 𝒚 =𝟒+𝟑 𝒙 − 𝒙
c 𝒚 =(𝒙 −𝟏)(𝒙 − 𝟑)
𝑥 𝑥 𝟐
d 𝒚 =𝒙 −𝟒
3 𝑦 4
𝑦
1 2 3 4
?
c b d a
𝑥
𝑥
Working Backwards
Mrs Clark
𝑦 Mrs Clark’s
class are
trying to work
out the
(− 3 , 0) ( 4 , 0)
𝑥 equation of
the quadratic
(0 ,− 12) from its graph
Maria was almost correct shown. Can
but confused her signs. If
you help
or when , then , which can
also be written as It passes through them?
and on the x-axis,
so the equation
I can see that the
graph is a -shape,
must be
so the term must
be positive

The graph passes through

so must be
Ma
Natha
but I’m not sure what is ria
Hannah
Finding the Equation of a Quadratic from
its Sketch
𝑦 To find the value of , we use the
coordinate where the graph
crosses the -axis:

(0 ,18) 2
𝑦 =𝑎 ( 𝑥 − 7 𝑥 +6)
When
(1 , 0) (6 , 0)
𝑥
18 =𝑎 × 6
𝑎= 3
Start by considering where the
graph crosses the -axis: Finally, we can find the
equation:
2
and 𝑦 =3 ( 𝑥 −7 𝑥 +6)
𝟐
So, the factorised 𝒚 =𝟑 𝒙 −𝟐𝟏 𝒙+𝟏𝟖
equation must be:

𝑦 =𝑎(𝑥 − 6)(𝑥 −1)

Example Test Your
Find the equation of the
Understanding
Find the equation of the
quadratic from its sketch quadratic from its sketch
𝑦 below. 𝑦below.
(0 ,6 )
(−1 , 0) (6 , 0) (− 2 ,0) (5 , 0)
𝑥 𝑥
(0 ,− 20)
When , or , so When , or , so
𝑦 =𝑎 ( 𝑥 +1) (𝑥 −6) 𝑦 =𝑎 ( 𝑥 +2)(
? 𝑥 −5)
2 2
𝑦 =𝑎 ( 𝑥 − 5 𝑥 − 6) 𝑦 =𝑎 ( 𝑥 − 3 𝑥 − 10)
When , so When , so
6= 𝑎 ×− 6 − 20= 𝑎
? × − 10
𝑎 =− 1 𝑎= 2
𝟐
𝒚 =𝟔+𝟓 𝒙 − 𝒙
𝟐
? 𝒙 −𝟐𝟎
𝒚 =𝟐 𝒙 −𝟔
drfrost.org/ 368s
s/
The Big Idea: Features of Quadratic Graphs
If we have a sketch of a quadratic graph, including the
points of intersection with the axes, we can find the
equation of the line of symmetry and the coordinates of
𝑦
the turning point.
4 The line of
symmetry of
the graph
(0 ,15)
If we know that the curve crosses the -
axis at and , then from the symmetry of
the graph, the line of symmetry must be
midway between those points.

(5 , 0)
𝑥
The equation of the line of
symmetry is
Quickfire Questions drfrost.org/ 368o
s/

a Find the equation of the line b Find the equation of the line
of symmetry of the of symmetry of the
𝑦 quadratic. 𝑦
quadratic.

(− 3 , 0) (0 , 0)
(1 , 0) (5 , 0) 𝑥
𝑥
𝒙 =𝟑
? 𝒙=−𝟏.𝟓
?

c Find the equation of the line d Find the equation of the line
of symmetry of the of symmetry of the
𝑦quadratic. 𝑦
quadratic.

(0 , 0)
𝑥
𝑥
(2 , 0)
𝒙 =𝟐
? 𝒙 =𝟎
?
The Big Idea: Features of Quadratic Graphs

5 The turning 𝒙 =𝟒
point of the
graph

We know that the turning point of

the quadratic graph lies on its (0 ,15)
line of symmetry, which means
its
-coordinate is
However, to find its -coordinate,
we need the equation of the
quadratic: (5 , 0)
𝑥
When , or , so
𝑦 =𝑎 ( 𝑥 − 3)( 𝑥 −5)
2
𝑦 =𝑎 ( 𝑥 − 8 𝑥+15) Substitute into the equation:
2
When , so 𝑦 = 4 − 8 × 4 +15
𝑎 =1 𝑦 =− 1
𝟐
𝒚 = 𝒙 − 𝟖 𝒙 + 𝟏𝟓 The coordinates of
the turning point
Quickfire Questions drfrost.org/ 368r
s/

a Given the quadratic b Given the quadratic

has the line has the line
of symmetry , find the of symmetry , find the
coordinates of the turning coordinates of the turning
point. point.

(𝟑 , ?−𝟒) ?

c Given the quadratic d Given the quadratic

has the line of symmetry , has the line of symmetry ,
find the coordinates of the find the coordinates of the
turning point. turning point.

(𝟎 ?, 𝟎) (𝟏.𝟓,𝟒)
?
Example
Find the equation of the line of symmetry and
coordinates of the turning point of the quadratic
graph shown
𝑦 The line of symmetry is 𝟏
midway between and : 𝒙=
𝟒

Equation of quadratic

( )
3
− ,0
2
𝑥
graph:
𝑦 =𝑎 (2 𝑥+ 3)( 𝑥 −2)
When , , so
2
𝑦 =2 𝑥 − 𝑥 − 6
(0 ,− 6)
( )
2
If then When : 1 1
𝑦 =2 × − −6
4 4
If then or 49
𝑦 =−
8
The turning point is at
Test Your Understanding drfrost.org/
s/
368o 368r 368s

Find the equation of the line of symmetry and

coordinates of the turning point of the quadratic
graph shown
Equation of line of symmetry:
? Line of Symmetry
𝑥 =2
Equation of quadratic graph:
(0 ,5) 𝑦 =𝑎 ( 𝑥 +1) (𝑥 −5)
? Equation of Graph
𝑎=− 1
(5 , 0) 𝑦 =5 + 4 𝑥 − 𝑥
2

𝑥
When :
? =5
𝑦 Coordinates
+4× 2− of 2 2

Turning
𝑦 =9 Point
(𝟐 , 𝟗 )
 Show
Exercise (available as a separate all
solutio
worksheet) ns

1 Sketch each of the graphs, showing clearly the coordinates of any points that
cross the x-axis and the y-axis.

a 𝑦 =( 𝑥 −1)( 𝑥 − 4) b 𝑦 =𝑥 ( 𝑥+2) c 𝑦 =(2 𝑥 −1)( 𝑥+5)

𝑦 𝑦 𝑦
(0 , 4)
? ? (−5 , 0) ? (0.5 , 0)
𝑥
( 4 , 0)
𝑥 𝑥 (0 ,− 5)
(− 2 ,0) (0 , 0)
(1 , 0)
2
d
2
𝑦 = 𝑥 + 7 𝑥+10 e 𝑦 =12+ 4 𝑥 − 𝑥
2
f 𝑦 = 4 𝑥 −7 𝑥 +3
𝑦 𝑦 𝑦
(0 ,3)
(0 ,12)
(0 ,10)
? ? (6 , 0)
?
(− 2 ,0) 𝑥
(−5 , 0) (− 2 ,0) 𝑥 𝑥 (0. 7 5 , 0) (1 , 0)
 Show
Exercise (available as a separate all
solutio
worksheet) ns

2 Find the equations of the quadratics from their sketches.

a 𝑦 b 𝑦 c 𝑦
(0 ,15)
(0 ,6 ) (−5 , 0) (3 ,0)
(−1 , 0)
𝑥 𝑥
( 4 , 0)
(3 ,0)
𝑥
(2 , 0) (0 ,− 8)

? 𝒙+𝟔
𝒚 =𝒙 −𝟓
𝟐
𝒚 =𝟐 𝒙 ?−𝟔 𝒙 −𝟖
𝟐
? 𝒙− 𝒙
𝒚 =𝟏𝟓 −𝟐
𝟐

3 [AQA IGCSE FM Practice Paper Set 1 P2

𝑦
Q15]
The diagram shows a quadratic graph
that intersects the -axis when and .
Work out the equation of the graph.

5
𝑥
1
2
?
or
or any multiple of
 Show
Exercise (available as a separate all
solutio
worksheet) ns

4 Given the sketch of the quadratic, find the equation of the

line of symmetry and the coordinates of the turning point.

a 𝑦 b 𝑦
(0 ,7) (− 6 , 0) (− 2 ,0)
𝑥
𝑥 (0 ,− 12)
(1 , 0) (7 ,0)

Line of symmetry Line of symmetry

Turning?point Turning ?point

N The graph of a quadratic function passes through the point

and has a turning point at .
Find the equation of the quadratic graph.

The line of symmetry is , which means the graph

crosses the -axis at and
The equation is
When , which gives . ?
So the equation is