Characteristics of a parabola

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What is a parabola?

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A parabola is a U-shaped curve that is defined as the set of all points in a plane that are equidistant from a fixed point (the focus) and a fixed line (the directrix).

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What is the vertex of a parabola?

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The vertex is the highest or lowest point on the parabola, depending on its orientation. It is the point where the parabola changes direction.

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

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What does it mean if a parabola opens upwards?

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If a parabola opens upwards, it means that the vertex is the minimum point, and the arms of the parabola extend upwards.

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What does it mean if a parabola opens downwards?

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If a parabola opens downwards, it means that the vertex is the maximum point, and the arms of the parabola extend downwards.

Front

What is the standard form of a parabola?

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What is the focus of a parabola?

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The focus is a fixed point located inside the parabola, which is used to define the curve. It is located along the axis of symmetry.

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What is the directrix of a parabola?

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The directrix is a fixed line that is perpendicular to the axis of symmetry and is used to define the parabola along with the focus.

Front

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

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Front

What are the x-intercepts of a parabola?

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