Sketching quadratic graphs
Edexcel GCSE Maths revision on Sketching quadratic graphs. Aligned to the Pearson Edexcel GCSE Mathematics 1MA1 specification. This bank has 18 practice questions on this topic.
Sample questions (3 of 18)
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Question 1
What is the y-intercept of the quadratic graph y = x^2 + 4x - 7?
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Answer: -7
The y-intercept occurs where the x-coordinate is zero. Substituting x = 0 into the equation y = x^2 + 4x - 7 gives y = -7.
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Question 2
Which shape describes the visual representation of a quadratic function on a Cartesian plane?
- A) A parabola with a single turning point
- B) A straight line with a constant slope
- C) A periodic wave with regular repeats
- D) A cubic curve with two turning spots
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Answer: A parabola with a single turning point
The correct answer is a parabola with a single turning point. Students often confuse quadratic graphs with linear graphs, which are straight lines, or cubic graphs, which have two turning points.
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Question 3
What are the roots of the quadratic graph y = (x - 3)(x + 5)?
- A) x = 3 and x = -5 because the roots are
- B) x = -3 and x = 5 because the roots are
- C) x = 3 and x = 5 because the roots are
- D) x = -3 and x = -5 because the roots are
Show answer
Answer: x = 3 and x = -5 because the roots are
The roots are x = 3 and x = -5 because the roots are found by setting each factor equal to zero. A common mistake is to ignore the signs inside the brackets when solving the equation.
Want to test yourself on the remaining cards for this topic?
15 more questions on Sketching quadratic graphs — plus mistakes tracking and spaced repetition across the whole Maths spec.