Quadratic Function
(General Form & Discriminant)

How to Use this Applet

The Slider Area

The sliders change the parameters a, b and c in the quadratic function y = ax² + bx + c.

  • Drag a slider to change the value of a parameter.
  • The <LEFT> and <RIGHT> arrow keys can be used to change the selected parameter [light blue].
  • The <UP> and <DOWN> arrow keys can be used to increase or decrease the selected parameter. (Use this feature for fine adjustments.)
  • If the arrow keys don't respond, click the cursor in he applet frame then try again.
  • Drag a parameter scale to "move" it. (I.e., change the range but maintain the scale "length".)
  • Drag towards or away from a parameter thumb to "re-scale" the scale.
  • Select the corresponding parameter button to enter a value for a parameter.

The Graph Area

  • Drag the vertex to move the parabola in the coordinate system.
  • Drag a location along the axis of symmetry of the parabola (other than the vertex) to move the parabola only horizontally or vertically.
  • Drag a location along the parabola (other than the vertex) to change the width of the parabola.
  • The <SHIFT> key: Click and drag in the graph area to move the entire coordinate system.
  • The <CONTROL> key: Click and drag in the graph area towards or away from the origin to change the x and y axis scale.
  • The <CONTROL>+<SHIFT> key: Click and drag in the graph area towards or away from the:
    • x-axis to change the y-axis scale.
    • y-axis to change the x-axis scale.

Other

  • Use the "RESET" button to restore the applet to the initial state.