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 parabola is in the form y = ax^2 + bx + c.

Front

What does it mean if a parabola opens upwards?

Back

The vertex is a minimum point, and the value of 'a' in the vertex form y = a(x-h)^2 + k is positive.

Front

What does it mean if a parabola opens downwards?

Back

The vertex is a maximum point, and the value of 'a' in the vertex form y = a(x-h)^2 + k is negative.

Front

What is the vertex of a parabola in vertex form?

Back

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

Front

How do you determine if the vertex is a maximum or minimum?

Back

If 'a' is positive, the vertex is a minimum; if 'a' is negative, the vertex is a maximum.

Front

What is the standard form of a parabola?

Back

The standard form is y = ax^2 + bx + c.

Front

How can you convert from standard form to vertex form?

Back

Use the method of completing the square.

Front

What is the significance of the 'h' value in vertex form?

Back

The 'h' value represents the x-coordinate of the vertex and the axis of symmetry.

Front

What is the significance of the 'k' value in vertex form?

Back

The 'k' value represents the y-coordinate of the vertex.

Front

What is the formula for finding the y-coordinate of the vertex?

Back

Substitute x = h into the equation to find y = k.