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Key features of a Parabola - Printable Math Worksheets 9th - 12th Grade - Wayground

Key features of a Parabola

Rick Dearmont

Created by Rick Dearmont

20 questions

9th - 12th Grade

Math

Updated Oct 2026

Key Features of a Parabola is a free printable mathematics worksheet for Grades 9–12 that helps students identify and interpret the vertex, x-intercepts, y-intercept, and axis of symmetry. Through 20 multiple-choice questions, students connect ordered pairs and graph features, distinguish between intercepts and the vertex, and use the vertex to determine when a modeled object reaches its maximum height. The worksheet also asks students to define key parabola vocabulary, identify coordinates from graphs, count x-intercepts, and recognize functions based on their axis of symmetry or intercepts. It is useful for introducing or reviewing quadratic-graph features before students work with equations in greater depth. A complete answer key is included, making this free printable worksheet suitable for independent practice, class review, homework, or formative assessment.

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Key features of a Parabola

Total questions: 20

Name
Class
Date
1.
What is the significance of the ordered pair (0, -2) to the graph?

What is the significance of the ordered pair (0, -2) to the graph?

a)

It is the vertex

b)

It is an x-intercept

c)

It is the y-intercept

d)

It is the axis of symmetry

2.
What is the significance of the ordered pair (2, -4) to the graph?

What is the significance of the ordered pair (2, -4) to the graph?

a)

It is the vertex

b)

It is an x-intercept

c)

It is the y-intercept

d)

It is the axis of symmetry

3.
When did the ball reach its maximum height? Choose the key feature and the answer.

When did the ball reach its maximum height? Choose the key feature and the answer.

a)

y-intercept, 3 secs

b)

x-value of the vertex, 4 secs

c)

y-value of the vertex, 5 secs

d)

y-intercept, 0 secs

4.
Which point is the vertex?

Which point is the vertex?

a)

(-8, 0)

b)

(-5, -9)

c)

(-2, 0)

d)

(-9, -5)

5.
What are the green dots called?
What are the green dots called?
a)
y-intercepts
b)

rate of change

c)

vertex

d)

x-intercepts

6.

Define X-intercept

a)

The highest or lowest point on the graph.

b)

Where the parabola touches or intersects the x-axis.

c)

Where the parabola touches or intersects the y-axis.

d)

A line that divides the graph into two equal parts. i.e. cuts the graph in half.

7.

Define Y-intercept

a)

Where the parabola touches or intersects the x-axis, also called the x-intercept

b)

The lowest y-value on the graph

c)

The highest y-value on the graph

d)

Where the parabola touches or intersects the y-axis

8.

Define Vertex

a)

Where the parabola touches or intersects the x-axis

b)

The highest or lowest point on the graph

c)

Where parabola line touches or intersects the x- axis, also called the x-intercept

d)

A line that divides the graph into two equal parts. i.e. cuts the graph in half

9.

Define Axis Of Symmetry

a)

A line that divides the graph into two equal parts. i.e. cuts the graph in half

b)

Where the parabola touches or intersects the x-axis, also called the x-intercept

c)

The highest y-value on the graph

d)

The highest or lowest point on the graph

10.

Which function has an axis of symmetry of x = 0?

a)
Which function has an axis of symmetry of x = 0?
b)
Which function has an axis of symmetry of x = 0?
c)
Which function has an axis of symmetry of x = 0?
d)

None of the above

11.
What is the vertex of the graph?
What is the vertex of the graph?
a)
(2, 4)
b)
(3, -1)
c)
(0, 8)
d)
(4, 2)
12.
Identify the y-intercept

Identify the y-intercept

a)

(0, -3)

b)

(3, 0)

c)

(0, 3)

d)

(2, 1)

13.
Name the x-intercept(s)?
Name the x-intercept(s)?
a)
(0, 0)
b)
(2, 4)
c)
(0, 0) and (0, 4)
d)
(0, 0) and (4, 0)
14.
How many x-intercepts does this parabola have?

How many x-intercepts does this parabola have?

a)

3

b)

2

c)

0

d)

1

15.

Which function has an x-intercept and y-intercept at (0, 0)?

a)
Which function has an x-intercept and y-intercept at (0, 0)?
b)
Which function has an x-intercept and y-intercept at (0, 0)?
c)
Which function has an x-intercept and y-intercept at (0, 0)?
d)
Which function has an x-intercept and y-intercept at (0, 0)?
16.
What is the vertex?
What is the vertex?
a)
(2, 4)
b)
(3, -1)
c)
(0, 8)
d)
(4, 2)
17.
Use the picture to find the vertex and axis of symmetry

Use the picture to find the vertex and axis of symmetry

a)

Vertex (3,8) Axis x = 3

b)

Vertex (3,8) Axis y = 3

c)

Vertex (8,3) Axis x = 3

d)

Vertex (8,3) Axis y = 3

18.
What is another name for the x-intercepts of a quadratic?
a)
y-intercept
b)
Zeros
c)
x-axis
d)
They don't have another name
19.
.How many zeros does this parabola have?
.How many zeros does this parabola have? 
a)
3
b)
2
c)
0
d)
1
20.
How many solutions does this graph have?
How many solutions does this graph have?
a)
one
b)
two
c)
no solutions
d)
all real numbers
WaygroundAnswer Key

Key features of a Parabola

Total questions: 20

1.
c)

It is the y-intercept

2.
a)

It is the vertex

3.
b)

x-value of the vertex, 4 secs

4.
b)

(-5, -9)

5.
d)

x-intercepts

6.
b)

Where the parabola touches or intersects the x-axis.

7.
d)

Where the parabola touches or intersects the y-axis

8.
b)

The highest or lowest point on the graph

9.
a)

A line that divides the graph into two equal parts. i.e. cuts the graph in half

10.
b)
11.
b) (3, -1)
12.
a)

(0, -3)

13.
d) (0, 0) and (4, 0)
14.
b)

2

15.
c)
16.
b) (3, -1)
17.
a)

Vertex (3,8) Axis x = 3

18.
b) Zeros
19.
b) 2
20.
b) two

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FAQs

What does the Key Features of a Parabola worksheet help students learn?

This Grade 9–12 mathematics worksheet uses 20 multiple-choice questions to build students’ ability to identify the vertex, x-intercepts, y-intercept, and axis of symmetry on parabolic graphs. Students interpret ordered pairs, define each feature, count x-intercepts, and use the x-value of a vertex to determine when a modeled ball reaches maximum height.

How can I use this worksheet to teach the key features of a parabola?

Introduce the worksheet by reviewing how the x- and y-axes organize points on a parabola, then model one example for each feature: the vertex, intercepts, and axis of symmetry. Have students explain why a point such as (0, -2) is a y-intercept and why the x-value of the vertex identifies the time of maximum height before they complete the multiple-choice questions independently or in pairs.

What mistakes should I watch for when students complete this parabola worksheet?

Students may confuse the x-intercept with the y-intercept, especially when reading ordered pairs: x-intercepts have a y-coordinate of 0, while y-intercepts have an x-coordinate of 0. They may also select the vertex’s y-value instead of its x-value when finding the time of maximum height, or mistake the axis of symmetry for a point such as the vertex.

How do I assign and grade this Key Features of a Parabola worksheet?

The worksheet is available as a printable PDF and as a digital quiz on Wayground, and it includes a complete answer key for checking the 20 multiple-choice responses. For printable submissions, you can grade student work by scanning it with the Wayground for Teachers app.

How can I differentiate this worksheet for students who need support with graph features?

In the worksheet’s Advanced Settings, adjust font spacing or choose a larger font size to make the multiple-choice options and coordinate-based graph questions easier to follow. You can also apply a dyslexia-friendly font or translate the worksheet into another language when those options support access to the parabola vocabulary and definitions.

Where can I find more worksheets like this on Wayground?

Wayground offers a comprehensive collection of free printable worksheets and practice problems across all subjects, with downloadable PDFs and answer keys to support mastery of essential skills and concepts. Browse more resources at https://wayground.com/en-us/worksheets.

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