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Matching Parabolas Graphs to Equations - Printable Math Worksheets 8th - 9th Grade - Wayground

Matching Parabolas Graphs to Equations

Barbara White

Created by Barbara White

12 questions

8th - 9th Grade

Math

Matching Parabolas Graphs to Equations is a free printable mathematics worksheet for Grades 8–9 that develops students’ understanding of quadratic graphs in vertex form. Across 12 multiple-choice questions, students identify a parabola, find vertices, determine the axis of symmetry, recognize maximum values, and select equations that match given vertices. The worksheet also asks students to interpret transformations from equations, including horizontal and vertical shifts and the roles of h and k in vertex form. Students apply these ideas to equations such as y = (x - 5)² - 3 and y = 3(x + 4)² - 1, building accuracy in connecting symbolic notation with graph movement. It includes a complete answer key and can be used for guided practice, independent review, or a quick formative assessment.

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Matching Parabolas Graphs to Equations

Total questions: 12

Name
Class
Date
1.
The graph of a quadratic function is called a
a)
Parabola
b)
Vertex
c)
Axis of Symmetry 
d)
Vertex Form
2.

Determine the vertex of the parabola y=(x-2)2–7

a)
(5, -7)
b)
(-2, -7)
c)
(2, -7)
d)
(-7, -2)
3.
Given the equation for this parabola:
 y=-(x-4)2-3,
does this parabola have a maximum or minimum value?
a)
Maximum
b)
Minimum
4.
The axis of symmetry line passes through which point?
a)
y-intercept
b)
any random point
c)
vertex
d)
symmetrical point for the vertex
5.
A parabola has a vertex at (-3,2).
Where is the axis of symmetry?
a)
y = -2
b)
x = 3
c)
x = -3
d)
y = 2
6.
Which equation has a vertex of (-3, 4)?
a)

y = (x+3)2 + 4

b)
y = (x+3)2 - 4
c)

y = (x-3)2 - 4

d)

y = (x - 3)2 + 4

7.
In vertex form, what effect does the h have on the graph?

In vertex form, what effect does the h have on the graph?

a)

Translates Up/Down

b)

Translates Left/Right

c)

Narrows/Widens Parabola

d)

Flips it

8.
In vertex form, what effect does the k have on the graph?

In vertex form, what effect does the k have on the graph?

a)

Translates Up/Down

b)

Translates Left/Right

c)

Narrows/Widens Parabola

d)

Flips it

9.

When you subtract a constant from y=x2 what happens to the graph? Eg. y=x2 - 2

a)

Graph moves UP

b)

Graph moves to the RIGHT

c)

Graph moves DOWN

d)

Graph moves to the LEFT

10.
Which way does the graph move if the equation looks like y = (x - 3)2 ?
a)
Graph moves UP 3 units
b)
Graph moves to the RIGHT 3 units
c)
Graph moves DOWN 3 units
d)
Graph moves to the LEFT 3 units
11.
What transformation occurred to y = x2 to y = (x - 5)2 - 3?
a)
The graph translated right 5 units and down 3 units
b)
The graph translated right 3 units and down 5 units
c)
The graph translated left 5 units and down 3 units
d)
The graph translated left 3 units and up 5 units
12.

Describe the horizontal shift for

y = 3(x + 4)2 - 1

a)

shifts 3 left

b)

shifts 4 left

c)

shifts 4 right

d)

shifts 1 left

WaygroundAnswer Key

Matching Parabolas Graphs to Equations

Total questions: 12

1.
a) Parabola
2.
c) (2, -7)
3.
a) Maximum
4.
c) vertex
5.
c) x = -3
6.
a)

y = (x+3)2 + 4

7.
b)

Translates Left/Right

8.
b)

Translates Left/Right

9.
c)

Graph moves DOWN

10.
b) Graph moves to the RIGHT 3 units
11.
a) The graph translated right 5 units and down 3 units
12.
b)

shifts 4 left

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FAQs

What does the Matching Parabolas Graphs to Equations worksheet cover?

This Grade 8–9 worksheet uses 12 multiple-choice questions to practise interpreting quadratic functions in vertex form. Students identify vertices and axes of symmetry, determine whether a parabola has a maximum, match equations to vertices, and describe horizontal and vertical graph translations from equations.

How can I use this worksheet to teach vertex-form transformations?

Introduce the vertex and axis of symmetry first, then model how the numbers in vertex form correspond to graph translations. Use the questions about y = (x - 5)² - 3 and y = 3(x + 4)² - 1 to have students explain each horizontal and vertical shift before completing the remaining multiple-choice items independently.

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

Watch for students reversing the sign when reading the horizontal shift, such as interpreting (x + 4)² as a shift right instead of left. Students may also confuse the vertex with the axis-of-symmetry equation, overlook whether the parabola has a maximum, or interchange the horizontal and vertical effects of the parameters in vertex form.

How do I assign and grade this worksheet?

The worksheet is available as a printable PDF and as a digital quiz on Wayground, and it includes a complete answer key for all 12 multiple-choice questions. Printable submissions can be graded by scanning student work with the Wayground for Teachers app. The PDF option can also support schools that want to reduce screen time.

How can I differentiate this parabola transformations worksheet for my students?

Use the worksheet’s Advanced Settings to adjust font spacing and font size so the multiple-choice equations and answer options are easier to read. You can also apply a dyslexia-friendly font or translate the worksheet into another language when those changes support access to the vertex and transformation questions.

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 help students master essential skills and concepts. Browse more resources at https://wayground.com/en-us/worksheets.

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