What is the quadratic parent function and how can you recognize the key features of its graph

Basically, a quadratic's standard form is ax^2+bx+c, so if you see 6x^2+5x+3 (for example), then you know it is a quadratic function. However, even if you just see something like: x^2 - 6, it is still a quadratic. On graphs, a quadratic function has a U shaped. It can be upside-down or upside-up. This is called a parabola.