GraphsDeep Dive

Worked Examples

Part of Quadratic Graphs · GCSE GCSE Mathematics revision

This deep dive covers Worked Examples within Quadratic Graphs for GCSE Mathematics. Revise Quadratic Graphs in Graphs for GCSE Mathematics with 14 exam-style questions and 12 flashcards. This is a high-frequency topic, so it is worth revising until the explanation feels precise and repeatable. It is section 6 of 10 in this topic. Use this deep dive to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.

Topic position

Section 6 of 10

Practice

14 questions

Recall

12 flashcards

Worked Examples

Example 1: Analyzing y = x² - 6x + 5

Find key features and sketch the graph

Solution:

  1. Vertex: x = -(-6)/(2×1) = 3, y = 3² - 6(3) + 5 = -4
    Vertex: (3, -4)
  2. Y-intercept: Set x = 0: y = 5, Point: (0, 5)
  3. X-intercepts: x² - 6x + 5 = 0
    (x - 1)(x - 5) = 0, so x = 1 or x = 5
  4. Shape: a = 1 > 0, so opens upward
  5. Axis of symmetry: x = 3

Example 2: Table of Values for y = -x² + 4x - 3

x -x² +4x -3 y
0 0 0 -3 -3
1 -1 4 -3 0
2 -4 8 -3 1
3 -9 12 -3 0
4 -16 16 -3 -3

Vertex at (2, 1), opens downward, x-intercepts at 1 and 3

Keep building this topic

Read this section alongside the surrounding pages in Quadratic Graphs. That gives you the full topic sequence instead of a single isolated revision point.

Practice Questions for Quadratic Graphs

The quadratic y = -3x² + 2x - 1 has a negative coefficient of x². What shape does this parabola make?

  • A. U-shape (opens upward, minimum point)
  • B. ∪-shape (opens upward, minimum point at top)
  • C. ∩-shape (opens downward, maximum point)
  • D. S-shape (neither minimum nor maximum)
1 markfoundation

Explain how the sign of the coefficient a in y = ax² + bx + c determines the shape of the parabola. Your answer should refer to both cases: a > 0 and a < 0.

2 marksstandard

Quick Recall Flashcards

What are the roots of a quadratic graph?
The x-values where the graph crosses the x-axis (where y = 0). A quadratic can have: - 2 roots (crosses x-axis twice) - 1 root (just touches x-axis) - 0 roots (entirely above or below x-axis)
What is a parabola?
The U-shaped (or n-shaped) curve produced by a quadratic graph. - a > 0: opens upward (U-shape, minimum) - a < 0: opens downward (n-shape, maximum)

14 questions on Quadratic Graphs — practise free

Instant marking, adaptive difficulty, and 12 spaced repetition flashcards. Free until your GCSEs.

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