AS/A2 Pure 2 Pure 3

P1 Topic 2: Algebra
y=(x-a)2+b
Investigate the effect of changing a or b on the blue graph. The red graph is y = x2. Graphs like these are called quadratic graphs. Make sure that you are clear about these aspects of a quadratic graph: its basic shape its symmetry the number of places where the curve crosses the x-axis how the values of a and b affect the shape and position of the curve

Summary The curve is U-shaped The curve is symmetric about a vertical axis The values of a and b determine the x and y coordinates the turning point of the curve the function (x-a)2+b is said to be in completed square form The Plane Graphic Calculator java applet