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02 // Visual Math & Finance Solversy = ax² + bx + c ⇒ x = [−b ± √(b² − 4ac)] / (2a)

Visual Quadratic Equation & Parabola Grapher ($ax^2 + bx + c$)

A quadratic function $f(x) = ax^2 + bx + c$ ($a \ne 0$) traces a symmetric parabola with vertex at $h = -\frac{b}{2a}, k = c - \frac{b^2}{4a}$ and roots given by the quadratic formula $x = \frac{-b \pm \sqrt{b^2 - 4ac}}{2a}$.

y = ax² + bx + c ⇒ x = [−b ± √(b² − 4ac)] / (2a)

Inputs & Parameters (3)

-5±0.255
-12±0.512
-15±0.515
-10-5510V(1.00, -9.00)r₁=-2.00r₂=4.00
Discriminant Δ = b² − 4ac
36
2 Distinct Real Roots
Roots (Zero Crossings)
x₁ = -2, x₂ = 4
Sum = 2 | Product = -8
Vertex (h, k)
(1, -9)
Global Minimum (Opens Up)
Axis & Y-Intercept
x = 1
Y-Intercept = (0, -8)

20-Row Comparison Table

Compare across:
#Quadratic Coefficient (a) Discriminant (Δ = b² − 4ac)Vertex (h, k)Root Nature
01-5-156(-0.2, -7.8)2 Complex
02-4.5-140(-0.22, -7.78)2 Complex
03-4-124(-0.25, -7.75)2 Complex
04-3.5-108(-0.29, -7.71)2 Complex
05-3-92(-0.33, -7.67)2 Complex
06-2.25-68(-0.44, -7.56)2 Complex
07-1.75-52(-0.57, -7.43)2 Complex
08-1.25-36(-0.8, -7.2)2 Complex
09-0.75-20(-1.33, -6.67)2 Complex
10-0.25-4(-4, -4)2 Complex
110.2512(4, -12)2 Real
120.7528(1.33, -9.33)2 Real
131.2544(0.8, -8.8)2 Real
141.7560(0.57, -8.57)2 Real
152.2576(0.44, -8.44)2 Real
163100(0.33, -8.33)2 Real
173.5116(0.29, -8.29)2 Real
184132(0.25, -8.25)2 Real
194.5148(0.22, -8.22)2 Real
205164(0.2, -8.2)2 Real
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Key Analytical Takeaways

  • 01Sign of $a$ controls concavity: when $a > 0$ the parabola opens upward with a global minimum; when $a < 0$ it opens downward with a global maximum.
  • 02Changing $c$ shifts the entire parabola vertically without altering the axis of symmetry $x = -b/(2a)$.
  • 03Both standard form $ax^2 + bx + c$ and vertex form $a(x - h)^2 + k$ are displayed side by side.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if coefficient 'a' is set to zero?+

When a = 0, the x² term vanishes and the curve flattens into a straight linear equation y = bx + c.

How do I convert standard form ax² + bx + c into vertex form?+

Complete the square: y = a(x − h)² + k, where h = −b / (2a) and k = f(h) = c − b² / (4a).

How do you rewrite standard form ax² + bx + c into vertex form?+

Completing the square yields y = a(x − h)² + k, where the vertex coordinates are h = −b / (2a) and k = c − b² / (4a).