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Vertex
The vertex (sharpest turn) of a parabola is either the maximum value or minimum value of the function.
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*If your "a" value in the standard equation is positive you will have a minimum value.
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*If your "a" value in the standard equation is negative you will have a maximum value.
Quick example of max and min
We can see our "a" value is negative, therefore our parabola has a maximum value.
We can see our "a" value is positive, therefore our parabola has a minimum value.
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To find the vertex of a parabola we need to use a special equation.
The equation -b/2a helps us find our x-value of our vertex. We then substitute the x-value into our equation to get our y-coordinate.
Let's try some examples!
Standard Form
Max or Min
Vertex Equation
x- coordinate
y- coordinate
Minimum
Minimum
Maximum
x = -2
y = -8
x = 1
x = -3
y = 5
y = -4
The video below will demonstrate how to use the vertex equation.
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Let's try an activity!
Below are two activity button: One will take you to Desmos, and the other will take you to another Wix site.
*Once you finish the Desmos activity close out of the Desmos window
Class Code: 3JJWJE
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Click on the assessment button below to see what you retained about vertices.
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If you did well on the assessment click the button below to go to the next objective (Table of Values).
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