Understanding Vertex Form and Critical Points

What does the 'a' value in vertex form indicate about the graph?

• The direction the graph opens

• The number of roots

• The width of the graph

• The color of the graph

In vertex form, how is the axis of symmetry determined?

• By the 'h' value

• By the sum of 'h' and 'k'

• By the 'k' value

• By the 'a' value

If the vertex form of a quadratic is y = a(x - 4)^2 + 7, what is the vertex?

• (4, 7)

• (-4, 7)

• (-4, -7)

• (4, -7)

In the example where the vertex form is y = a(x + 5)^2 + 1, what is the axis of symmetry?

• x = 5

• x = -5

• x = 1

• x = -1

What is the maximum or minimum point of a graph called?

• Axis of symmetry

• Slope

• Vertex

• Intercept