Understanding Parabolas

What shape does a quadratic equation represent when graphed?

• A straight line

• A U-shaped curve

• An oval

• A circle

If the coefficient of x^2 (a) is positive, in which direction does the parabola open?

• To the left

• To the right

• Downwards

• Upwards

For the equation x^2 + 2x + 5, what is the direction of the parabola?

• Downwards

• Upwards

• To the left

• To the right

If a parabola's equation is -x^2 + 3x + 7, what is the direction of the opening?

• To the right

• Upwards

• Downwards

• To the left

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

• x = a / b

• x = b / 2a

• x = -a / b

• x = -b / 2a

How is the vertex of a parabola defined?

• The highest point on the graph

• The point where the graph intersects the y-axis

• The lowest or highest point on the graph

• The point where the graph intersects the x-axis

What does the vertex represent when it is the highest point on the graph?

• Minimum

• Maximum

• Root of the equation

• Axis of symmetry

What is the axis of symmetry for the equation x^2 + 8x + 15?

• x = -8

• x = 4

• x = 8

• x = -4

What is the axis of symmetry for the equation x^2 - 4x + 4?

• x = 2

• x = -2

• x = -4

• x = 4

For the equation x^2 - 10x + 25, what is the vertex?

• (0, 5)

• (-5, 0)

• (5, -25)

• (5, 0)