finding the vertex of a quadratic function

#FINDING THE VERTEX OF A QUADRATIC FUNCTION HOW TO#

Finding the vertex of a parabola couldn’t be easier once you know these steps! Find the Vertex of a Parabola in No Time We now know that the vertex of the parabola is the coordinate (2, -1). Now we substitute that back into the original quadratic equation. Let’s solve for the axis of symmetry when a = 1 and b = -4. Then, substitute the x value that you find back into the original question to get the y-value.

To find the coordinates for the vertex of the parabola, you should first use the equation to find the axis of symmetry. The equation for the axis of symmetry of a parabola can be expressed as: Remember that every quadratic function can be written in the standard form. The vertex of the parabola is the maximum or minimum point on the graph of the quadratic function. The axis of symmetry is the vertical line that goes through the vertex of a parabola. Remember, in a parabola, every point represents an x and a y that solves the quadratic function. The Axis of Symmetry of a Parabolaīefore we find the vertex of a parabola, let’s review the axis of symmetry. It’s the “u” shape that forms when one graphs a quadratic equation or quadratic function.ĭepending on the coefficients of the original equation, the parabola opens to the right side, to the left side, upwards, or downwards. Definition of a ParabolaĪ parabola is a set of points that are equal distances from both a focus (a fixed point) and a directrix (a fixed line). You can then find the x-coordinate and y-coordinate of the vertex, which is the highest or lowest point on a parabola. Putting the quadratic function into standard form will also let you find the axis of symmetry, the line that runs through the vertex and divides the parabola in half. The x-intercept and y-intercept are points on the graph where the parabola intersects the x-axis or y-axis.

This allows you to find the leading coefficient and solve for the x-intercepts.

When graphing these, remember that every quadratic function can be put into a standard form (more on this later).

#FINDING THE VERTEX OF A QUADRATIC FUNCTION HOW TO#

To find the vertex of a parabola, you first need to know how to graph quadratic equations.

Finding the vertex of a quadratic function