Quadratics in Vertex Form Applications

An object flies through the air and follows a parabolic path. What does the y-axis represent? 

• time 

• height from the ground 

• horizontal distance 

• money 

The parabola shows the trajectory of a tennis ball that was hit with a tennis racket. How long di it take for the tennis ball to hit the ground? (Click the picture to enlarge it)

• 3 feet

• 12 feet

• 1.5 seconds

• 3 seconds

How long did it take to reach highest point over the water?

• 8 meters

• 1 meter

• 1 second

• 8 seconds

Does this graph have a maximum or minimum?

• Minimum

• Maximum

Which of the following is the correct equation for the given graph? (a)  

• f(x) = -(x + 2)^2 - 4

• f(x) = -(x - 2)^2 - 4

• f(x) = -3(x - 2)^2 - 4

• f(x) = -3(x + 2)^2 - 4

The graph of a quadratic function is shown. The vertex and two points are labeled. Drag and drop the numbers and operations to write the equation for the parabola in vertex form. y = ​ (a)   (x​​ (b)   (c)   )² - (d)  

• -

• 1

• 6

• 12

• 4

• 8

• +

The graph of a quadratic function is shown. The vertex and two points are labeled. Drag and drop the numbers and operations to write the equation for the parabola in vertex form. y = ​ (a)   (x​​ (b)   (c)   )² - (d)  

• -

• 1

• 6

• 12

• 4

• 8

• +

Identify the vertex and whether the graph opens up or down. (a)  

• (5, 2); opens up

• (5, 2); opens down

• (-5, 2); opens up

• (-5, 2); opens down

The parabola shows the trajectory of a tennis ball that was hit with a tennis racket. What is the starting height of the tennis ball? (Click the picture to enlarge it)

• 3 feet - y-intercept

• 12 feet - vertex

• 1.5 seconds - vertex

• 3 seconds - x-intercept

If the a value is positive, which direction does the graph open?

• up

• down

• left

• right