Stage 23 · Quadratic Functions

23.2.1 The Parabola and Which Way It Opens

23.2 First Look at the Graph: The Shape of a Parabola

Point 1 of 5

Core idea

Toss a ball upward and its path traces a 'bowl' curve called a parabola; with a>0 the bowl opens upward, with a<0 it opens downward.

Module goal. Start from the simplest form y=ax², understand which way it opens and how wide, and build an intuitive picture of the parabola.

eastmath.com · 23.2 First Look at the Graph: The Shape of a Parabola · 23.2.1 The Parabola and Which Way It Opens