Graph of the Quadratic Function $y = x^2$

The graph of $y = x^2$ is an upward-opening parabola with its vertex at the origin $(0, 0)$. It is an even function, symmetric about the $y$-axis, with range $y \geq 0$.

It grows steeply as $x$ moves away from $0$, taking the same value at $x$ and $-x$.