MatteSkolen funksjoner What is a quadratic function?
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What is a quadratic function?

A quadratic function produces a parabola — the characteristic U-shape seen everywhere from bridges to projectile calculations.

📅 30. April 2026 👁️ 5 views 📂 funksjoner 🇳🇴 Les på norsk
🎮 Try it yourself — interactive!
Drag the sliders and see the parabola change. The quadratic formula solved step by step.
→ Open interactive parabola

The formula

f(x) = ax² + bx + c
  • a determines opening direction (a ≠ 0)
  • b affects the position
  • c is the y-intercept
a > 0 → parabola opens upward ☺
a < 0 → parabola opens downward ☹

Vertex

x = -b / (2a)

Example: f(x) = x² - 4x + 3

Vertex: x = 4/2 = 2, f(2) = -1 → vertex at (2, -1)

Finding zeros — the quadratic formula

x = (-b ± √(b²-4ac)) / (2a)
Discriminant D = b² - 4ac:
D > 0 → two zeros · D = 0 → one zero · D < 0 → no zeros

I think, therefore I am — and in mathematics I found the clearest form of true knowledge.

— René Descartes (1596–1650)

🧠 Test yourself

Question 1 of 3

Which direction does f(x) = -2x² + 3 open?

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