To write a verbal description of the given graph, you would use the distinctive critical attributes in your description:

A. The quadratic function has zeros (x-intercepts) at -1 and 3, and a minimum.

OR

B. The quadratic function has a y-intercept at (0, -6) and x-intercepts at (-1, 0) and (3, 0)

Answer A would give enough information to allow you to derive an equation or build a table that would come close to the exact graph. Answer B gives enough information to write an exact equation such as we did in the exercise above. It takes three points to specify a parabola, so using the vertex and the x-intercepts or any other three points will give a specific equation.

Can you write a different verbal description of the given graph? Go to your notes and write your response there.