Quadratic Functions

            Quadratic functions are mathematic phenomena that are observed frequently in everyday life. Used in everything from finding maximum profits to sports, quadratic functions are intricate shapes known as parabolas that appear both artificially and naturally. Seen in suspension wires on bridges, shooting ranges, and basketball courts are the graphs of quadratic functions. Mathematicians, engineers, and physicists use quadratic functions in their jobs. While most people may not notice, quadratic functions are seen every day.

A very common use of quadratic functions is seen in sports. While people may not notice, thrown objects, such as balls used for athletic purposes, travel in the shape of a quadratic function. For example, take a baseball player who throws a ball straight up in the air. The ball’s trajectory will be in the shape of a parabola. The ball starts at a specific height of 1.83 meters. The ball is then thrown at a constant speed of 15 meters per second. As the ball is thrown, the