Quadratics Forms and Parabolas Key Features

Front

What is the vertex of a parabola?

Back

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

Front

What shape do quadratic equations take when graphed?

Back

A parabola.

Front

What is the vertex form of a quadratic equation?

Back

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

Front

What is the axis of symmetry in a parabola?

Back

A vertical line that divides the parabola into two mirror-image halves, given by x = h in vertex form.

Front

How do you find the y-intercept of a quadratic function?

Back

Set x = 0 in the equation and solve for y.

Front

What does the 'a' in the vertex form of a quadratic equation represent?

Back

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

Front

What is the standard form of a quadratic equation?

Back

y = ax² + bx + c.

Front

What does it mean if 'a' is positive in a quadratic function?

Back

The parabola opens upwards.

Front

What does it mean if 'a' is negative in a quadratic function?

Back

The parabola opens downwards.

Front

How can you determine the direction of a parabola from its equation?

Back

By looking at the sign of the 'a' coefficient in the quadratic equation.