How can you tell they’ve got it: Quadratic Graphs?

If they’ve got it, you’ll see things like: Explain why x² produces a U-shaped curve rather than a straight line; Plot a simple quadratic such as y = x² − 4 from a table of values; Read approximate solutions from a quadratic graph (e.g., where y = 0). Or just try it together: Can your child recognise that an equation like y = x² produces a curved graph rather than a straight line, and use a plotted curve to estimate values?

Mathematics Algebra Ages 13–14

Quadratic Graphs

Your child knows an equation like y = x² makes a U-shaped curve, not a straight line. They can read values from the curve.

In curriculum terms

Recognise that quadratic functions produce curved (parabolic) graphs, distinguish them from linear graphs, and use plotted quadratic graphs to estimate values and find approximate solutions

Ages are typical, not deadlines — follow your child’s pace. How to help at home →

How to tell they’ve got it

Tick these off as you see them — no test required.

Explain why x² produces a U-shaped curve rather than a straight line
Plot a simple quadratic such as y = x² − 4 from a table of values
Read approximate solutions from a quadratic graph (e.g., where y = 0)

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Try this together

Can your child recognise that an equation like y = x² produces a curved graph rather than a straight line, and use a plotted curve to estimate values?

Where this sits on the map

Stuck here? Check the skills it builds on first. Confident? Here’s what it unlocks.

Builds on

Plotting Linear Graphsages 12–14Understanding quadratic graphs requires prior experience plotting linear graphs

Quadratic Graphsthis skill · ages 13–14

Unlocks

Estimating answersages 13–14Estimating from quadratic graphs requires understanding how curves behave

solid = must come firstdashed = helps

Curriculum alignment

Where this fits in the official school curriculum — our best automated guess, not yet checked by a person.

This skill sits beyond Year 6 in the Australian Curriculum, so no F–6 code is matched. It also sits beyond the NSW K–6 syllabuses. It also sits beyond Level 6 in the Victorian Curriculum.

Nearby on the map

Estimating answersages 13–14 Expanding Double Bracketsages 13–14 Simultaneous Equationsages 13–14 Factorising Expressionsages 12–13

All Algebra skills →