Write the parabola in standard form: y = ax^2 + bx + c
Identify the direction of opening from a
Find the vertex using x = -b/(2a)
Substitute the x-value into the equation to find the y-value of the vertex
Plot the vertex on the coordinate plane
Find the axis of symmetry: x = -b/(2a)
Find the y-intercept by setting x = 0
Find additional symmetric points on both sides of the axis of symmetry
Plot the points
Draw a smooth curve through the points
Check that the graph is symmetric about the axis of symmetry