Quadratic Functions

The graph of a quadratic function is a parabola whose axis of symmetry is parallel to the y-axis. The expression ax² + bx + c in the definition of a quadratic function is a polynomial of degree 2 or second order, or a 2nd degree polynomial, because the highest exponent of x is 2. If the quadratic function is set equal to zero, then the result is a quadratic equation. The solutions to the equation are called the roots of the equation.

In the video you will see that pretty much everything that moves can model a parabola (curve)- such as throwing a basketball.