Any function of the form F(x) = ax^2 + bx + c, where a, b, and c
are constants, is called a quadratic function and can be plotted as a parabola in the coordinate plane.
Depending on the value of a, the curve will have different shapes:
Positive value: for a Curve opens upward
Negative value: for a Curve opens downward
Large |a| (absolute value): Narrow curve
Small |a|: Wide curve
Here is a link describing parabola: http://www.dsusd.k12.ca.us/users/bobho/Alg/parabola.htm