Vertex Form: Introduction

Vertex Form

Introduction

Quadratic Functions can be written in three different forms. The last lesson discussed the standard form of a quadratic. This lesson will discuss vertex form of a quadratic. The vertex form of a quadratic equation is:

y = a(x-h)² + k

Properties of Graphs in Vertex Form:

When a is positive the graph opens upward; when a is negative the graph opens downward

When h is positive the graph shifts right; when h is negative the graph shifts left.

When k is positive the graph shifts up; when k is negative the graph shifts down.

The vertex is the point ( h, k ) and the axis of symmetry is the line x = h .