If you graph a linear function, you get a line. If you graph a quadratic function, you get something called a parabola. A parabola tends to look like a smile or a frown, depending on the function. Check out this tutorial and learn about parabolas!
You can't go through algebra without seeing quadratic functions. The graphs of quadratic functions are parabolas; they tend to look like a smile or a frown. In this tutorial, get introduced to quadratic functions, look at their graphs, and see some examples of quadratic functions!