6 Characteristics of Parabolas

Front

What are the 6 characteristics of parabolas?

Back

1. Vertex 2. Axis of Symmetry 3. Direction of Opening 4. Maximum or Minimum Value 5. Y-Intercept 6. X-Intercepts

Front

What is the vertex of a parabola?

Back

The vertex is the highest or lowest point of the parabola, depending on its direction of opening.

Front

What does it mean if a parabola opens upwards?

Back

It means the parabola has a minimum value at its vertex.

Front

What does it mean if a parabola opens downwards?

Back

It means the parabola has a maximum value at its vertex.

Front

How do you find the axis of symmetry of a parabola?

Back

The axis of symmetry can be found using the formula x = -b/(2a) from the quadratic equation y = ax^2 + bx + c.

Front

What is the y-intercept of a parabola?

Back

The y-intercept is the point where the parabola crosses the y-axis, found by evaluating the function at x=0.

Front

What are x-intercepts of a parabola?

Back

X-intercepts are the points where the parabola crosses the x-axis, found by solving the equation y = 0.

Front

What is the standard form of a quadratic function?

Back

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

Front

What is the vertex form of a quadratic function?

Back

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

Front

How can you determine if a parabola has a maximum or minimum value?

Back

If 'a' in the quadratic equation y = ax^2 + bx + c is positive, it has a minimum; if 'a' is negative, it has a maximum.