How does the second term in a quadratic, bx, affect the graph?

[Fletcher]

How does the second term in a quadratic, bx, affect the graph?

 

[Hurkyl]

You could experiment with it! You're curious as to the effect of the linear term... so plot a bunch of quadratics with different linear terms.

 

[robphy]

Since this is physicsforum.com, you might also try to consider the kinematic analogue (representing one-dimensional projectile motion).

 

[Gib Z]

Or, try getting the general form, ax^2 + bx+c, and complete the square on that.

 

[quantumdude]

Yeah Gib, that's what I would suggest. If Fletcher knows how translations of the graph of a function are related to transformations of its formula, then completing the square will tell the him exactly what he wants to know.

 

[Fletcher]

Thanks, that was helpful.