3-1 Key Features of Parabolas

Front

What is the vertex of a parabola?

Back

The highest or lowest point of a parabola.

Front

What is the equation for the axis of symmetry of a parabola?

Back

x = [value of x at the vertex].

Front

Does this graph have a maximum or minimum?

Back

Maximum or Minimum depending on the direction of the parabola.

Front

What is the vertex of the parabola represented by the point (4,-4)?

Back

(4,-4) is the vertex of the parabola.

Front

What is the approximate initial height of a roller coaster represented by a parabola?

Back

The initial height is the y-coordinate of the vertex.

Front

What is the standard form of a parabola's equation?

Back

y = a(x - h)² + k, where (h,k) is the vertex.

Front

How do you determine if a parabola opens upwards or downwards?

Back

If 'a' in the equation y = ax² + bx + c is positive, it opens upwards; if negative, it opens downwards.

Front

What does the axis of symmetry represent in a parabola?

Back

It is a vertical line that divides the parabola into two mirror-image halves.

Front

How can you find the vertex from the standard form of a parabola?

Back

The vertex (h,k) can be found using h = -b/(2a) and k = f(h).

Front

What is the significance of the 'a' value in the parabola's equation?

Back

The 'a' value determines the width and direction of the parabola.