Quadratic Functions

Prerequisites- Linear Functions

Previously, we discussed linear functions. These functions took on the general form:

$$ y = mx + b $$

where $m$ and $b$ are numbers.

In our math journey, the next kind of functions to learn about are quadratic functions. Quadratic functions include a squared input variable, $x^2$ and take on the general form:

$$ y = ax^2 + bx + c$$

where $a$, $b$, and $c$ are numbers.

Don't confuse the quad in the name quadratic with the prefix corresponding to four. The adjective quadratic actually comes from the Latin word quadrātum, which means square.

When graphed, quadratic functions appear as curves.