Introduction to    Parabolas

 

 

The graph of a quadratic relation is called a parabola and it has some key features to it such as the vertex, the x and y intercepts,the minimum or maximum value and the line of symmetry.

 

Parabolas can either open upwards or downwards depending on if the equation is positive or negative. If the equation is positive, it will open upwards whereas if its a negative equation it will open downwards.

 

The axis of symmetry divides the parabola into two equally and the vertex is where the axis of symmetry and the parabola meets. Depending on where these two points meet, it differentiates between the minimum and maximum value. if these two points meet at the top, the parabola is at its maximum value and if it meets at the bottom the parabola is at its minimum value.

 

The x intercept is when the graph crosses the x axis and the y intercept is when the graph crosses the y axis.