How do you graph a quadratic function without using a calculator?

Answer 1

Create a table with some set values of x - usually, I like to do all integers from -3 to 3. For each integer, evaluate the formula by plugging that integer in as x, and write the resulting y value in the other column of your table. (So for example, in y = x2, -3 would correspond to 9, -2 to 4, etc.) Plot the points on a graph, then draw an approximate line to connect the points. You should see a bowl shape emerge when you plot your points.