Calculators/Mathematics/Quadratic function calculator

Quadratic function calculator

Discriminant · roots · vertex · vertex form · graph

Quadratic function calculator — illustration
f(x) = 1x² − 2x − 3
Discriminant Δ = b² − 4ac16
Roots (zeros)x₁ = -1, x₂ = 3
Vertex W(p, q)(1, -4)
Axis of symmetryx = 1
y-intercept(0, -3)
Vertex form1(x − 1)² − 4
Factored form1(x + 1)(x − 3)
Opening / extremumupward → minimum q = -4

A quadratic function is f(x)=ax2+bx+cf(x)=ax^2+bx+c (where a≠0a\neq0). The key to everything is the discriminant:

Δ=b2−4acx1,2=−b±Δ2a\Delta=b^2-4ac \qquad x_{1,2}=\frac{-b\pm\sqrt{\Delta}}{2a}

When Δ>0\Delta>0 there are two roots, Δ=0\Delta=0 — one (double), Δ<0\Delta<0 — none among the real numbers. The vertex of the parabola is W=(−b2a, −Δ4a)W=\left(-\dfrac{b}{2a},\,-\dfrac{\Delta}{4a}\right).

The calculator also gives the vertex form a(x−p)2+qa(x-p)^2+q, the factored form a(x−x1)(x−x2)a(x-x_1)(x-x_2), the axis of symmetry, the y-intercept, and draws the graph of the parabola with the vertex and roots marked.

Examples

x² − 2x − 3
→ Δ = 16; x₁ = −1, x₂ = 3; W(1, −4)
x² − 4x + 4
→ Δ = 0; one (double) root x = 2
x² + x + 1
→ Δ = −3 < 0; no real roots in ℝ

Frequently asked questions

What does Δ < 0 mean?+

A negative discriminant means the parabola does not cross the x-axis — the function has no real roots (only complex ones exist).

What is the vertex form used for?+

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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