Key Features of a Quadratic Function – We learned to identify key features of the quadratic function using graphs, tables, and equations. Then we learned the effect of the value of a on the quadratic parent function. We learned that a quadratic function is a polynomial function in one or more variables in which the highest degree term is of the 2nd degree. The graph is a parabola. The value of the leading coefficient determines both the width of the parabola and the direction the parabola opens (upward or downward). We reviewed the attributes of a quadratic function such as minimum/maximum value and symmetry. Then we learned how the attributes affect the shape of a parabola.