Parabolas in Vertex Form

Front

What is the equation for the Axis of Symmetry in a parabola in vertex form?

Back

x = -\frac{b}{2a} where the equation is in the form y = ax^2 + bx + c.

Front

What is the vertex of a parabola in vertex form?

Back

The vertex is the point (h, k) in the vertex form equation y = a(x - h)^2 + k.

Front

How do you determine if a parabola opens up or down?

Back

If 'a' in the vertex form y = a(x - h)^2 + k is positive, it opens up; if 'a' is negative, it opens down.

Front

What does the vertex represent in a parabola?

Back

The vertex is the highest or lowest point of the parabola, depending on whether it opens up or down.

Front

What is the significance of the value of 'a' in the vertex form of a parabola?

Back

The value of 'a' determines the width and direction of the parabola; larger absolute values of 'a' make the parabola narrower.

Front

How can you find the y-intercept of a parabola in vertex form?

Back

Substitute x = 0 into the vertex form equation y = a(x - h)^2 + k.

Front

What is the formula for the vertex form of a parabola?

Back

The vertex form is y = a(x - h)^2 + k.

Front

What is the relationship between the vertex and the axis of symmetry?

Back

The axis of symmetry is a vertical line that passes through the vertex of the parabola.

Front

How do you find the axis of symmetry from the vertex form?

Back

The axis of symmetry is given by the equation x = h, where (h, k) is the vertex.

Front

What does it mean if a parabola has a maximum vertex?

Back

It means the parabola opens downwards and the vertex is the highest point on the graph.