Quadratic graph lines are U- or Ո-shaped, which is called a parabola. A linear graph can be drawn using only three points. A quadratic graph is a curve, so more points are plotted to support accuracy.

Many, many years ago, during my Algebra 2 class, we had the classic assignment of graphing parabolas. After a while of “select X, calculate Y,” I came to the conclusion that there had to be a simpler ...

Plotting a graph takes time. Often mathematicians just want to know the key features. These are: shape, location and some key points (such as where the graph crosses the axes or turning points).