Help Zone

SweetScorpion2559

Hi! I would like to understand how I can find the vertex of a parabola off of a table, specifically one that doesn't follow a pattern? My teacher explained it in class but I didn't get it and consequently didn't get any of those questions right on the test. Thanks! :)

Kylan T

Hi SweetScorpion,

Thanks for your question!

To find the vertex of a parabola, you need to find its axis of symmetry. To do so, you can use the parabola equation under its vertex form, where x = a (x being the x coordinate of the axis of symmetry) Then replace this x value in the equation to find y and therefore the coordinates of the vertex.

You can also determine the halfway point between the zeros of the parabola to find the axis of symmetry.

For further explanations:

https://www.alloprof.qc.ca/en/students/vl/mathematics/the-quadratic-function-m1124

Don't hesitate to reach out again if needed:)

Kylan