Vertex & Axis of Symmetry

Front

What is the vertex of a parabola?

Back

The vertex is the highest or lowest point of a parabola, depending on its orientation.

Front

What does the axis of symmetry represent in a parabola?

Back

The axis of symmetry is a vertical line that divides the parabola into two mirror-image halves.

Front

How do you find the axis of symmetry for a parabola in standard form?

Back

For a parabola in the form y = ax^2 + bx + c, the axis of symmetry is given by the formula x = -b/(2a).

Front

What is the difference between a maximum and minimum vertex?

Back

A maximum vertex is the highest point on the graph of a parabola that opens downward, while a minimum vertex is the lowest point on the graph of a parabola that opens upward.

Front

If a parabola opens upwards, what type of vertex does it have?

Back

It has a minimum vertex.

Front

If a parabola opens downwards, what type of vertex does it have?

Back

It has a maximum vertex.

Front

What is the general form of a quadratic equation?

Back

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

Front

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

Back

By examining the coefficient 'a' in the quadratic equation: if 'a' is positive, it has a minimum; if 'a' is negative, it has a maximum.

Front

What is the vertex of the parabola represented by the equation y = 2(x - 3)^2 + 5?

Back

The vertex is (3, 5).

Front

What is the axis of symmetry for the parabola y = -x^2 + 4x - 3?

Back

The axis of symmetry is x = 2.