Quadratics Manipulating the Parent Function

Discovery Lesson

If you take the following steps in the order they are given, you should have full
understanding of graphing quadratics by the end of class. Please dont rush
through all of the parts.

1. We will begin with f x x2 , the most basic of quadratic functions. We call this
the parent function.
a. In the table provided, fill in the values of x into the parent function to find
the corresponding values of f(x).
f x x2
x f x
-3
-2
-1
0
1
2
3

b. Graph your points on the grid provided, and then connect them.
x

c. Now turn on your graphing calculator, and go to y =. Plug in y1 x 2 .

Go to zoom and choose standard. Does your graph match the one
above? If not, check your points.
 Quadratics Manipulating the Parent Function
Discovery Lesson

2. Vertical Shift of the Parent Function ( f x x2 k ).

a. Fill in the chart for f x x2 2 , and plot the points on the graph
provided.
f x x2 2
x f x
-3
-2

x
-1
0
1
2
3
y

b. Whats the difference between this graph and the parent graph from 1.b?

c. Go to y= and plug in y2 x 2 2 . Press graph. Did you graph it

correctly? If not, check your values?

d. Fill in the chart for f x x2 1 , and plot the points on the graph.
f x x2 1
x f x
-3
-2
-1
x

0
1
2
3
y

e. Go to y= and plug in y3 x 2 1 . Check your graph.

f. What is the general effect of k on f x x2 k ?

 Quadratics Manipulating the Parent Function
Discovery Lesson

3. Horizontal Shift of the Parent Function ( f x x h ).

2

a. Fill in the chart for f x x 2 , and plot the points, then check your
2

graph on the calculator.

f x x 2
2

x f x
-3
-2

x
-1
0
1
2
3
y

b. Fill in the chart for f x x 1 , and plot the points. Then check your
2

graph on the calculator.

f x x 1
2

x f x
-3
-2
-1
x

0
1
2
3
y

c. What is the general effect of h on f x x h ?

2
 Quadratics Manipulating the Parent Function
Discovery Lesson

4. Widening and Narrowing the Parent Function. ( f x ax2 ).

a. Fill in the table for f x 2x2 , plot the points, and check the calculator.

f x 2 x2
x f x
-3
-2

x
-1
0
1
2
3
y

b. Fill in the table for f x 12 x2 , plot the points, and check the calculator.

f x 12 x2
x f x
-3
-2
x

-1
0
1
2
3
y

c. What is effect of a on f x ax2 ?

5. Challenge: Graph f x 3 x 1 5 .
2
x