A polynomial function can be expressed as a sum of terms with non-negative integer exponents. A quadratic function is a polynomial of degree 2 in the form p(x)=ax^2 + bx + c, where a ≠ 0. The graph of a quadratic function is a parabola, which is symmetric about the axis of symmetry and has a unique vertex. Changing the coefficients a, b, and c changes the position, shape, and orientation of the parabola.