All lessons › Unit 5 · Advanced Math

Quadratic functions and vertex form

A quadratic function has a parabola as its graph. The Digital SAT Math section often asks for the vertex, the maximum or minimum value, or where the graph crosses the axes.

This lesson teaches you to read a parabola, then shows the three forms of a quadratic: standard, factored and vertex form, and what each one tells you right away. Animated pictures show the graph moving as numbers change. Each part has a quiz, and the practice questions ask for the vertex and intercepts in all three forms. Each form gets its own short example.

In this lesson

• Parabolas, vertex and intercepts
• Three forms of a quadratic