The graph of \(y = x^2 + x − 6 \) crosses the \(x\)-axis at \(x = -3\) and \(x = 2\). The coefficient of \(x^2\) is positive, so the graph will be a positive U-shaped curve with a turning point ...

The addition of the value \(a\) represents a vertical translation in the graph. If \(a\) is positive, the graph translates upwards. If \(a\) is negative, the graph translates downwards.