Discriminant · roots · vertex · vertex form · graph

A quadratic function is (where ). The key to everything is the discriminant:
When there are two roots, — one (double), — none among the real numbers. The vertex of the parabola is .
The calculator also gives the vertex form , the factored form , the axis of symmetry, the y-intercept, and draws the graph of the parabola with the vertex and roots marked.
A negative discriminant means the parabola does not cross the x-axis — the function has no real roots (only complex ones exist).
a(x−p)² + q immediately shows the vertex (p, q) and makes it easy to sketch the graph and read off the maximum/minimum value of the function.
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