Characteristics of Parabolas
Explore the basic characteristics of parabolas, including their shape, vertex, and axis of symmetry.
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Characteristics of Parabolas
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Read each question carefully and answer to the best of your ability. Show your work where possible.
A parabola is a U-shaped curve that is the graph of a quadratic function. It has several key characteristics:
1. **Vertex:** The highest or lowest point on the parabola.
2. **Axis of Symmetry:** A vertical line that divides the parabola into two symmetrical halves, passing through the vertex.
3. **Direction:** Parabolas can open upwards or downwards.
1. Which of the following best describes the shape of a parabola?
A straight line
A U-shaped curve
A circle
A zig-zag line
2. The vertex of a parabola is its:
Starting point
Ending point
Highest or lowest point
Middle section
3. The line that divides a parabola into two symmetrical halves is called the .
4. If a parabola opens downwards, its vertex will be the point.
5. All parabolas open upwards.
True
False
6. The axis of symmetry always passes through the vertex of a parabola.
True
False
7. Describe in your own words what an axis of symmetry is for a parabola.
8. Plot the following points on the graph below to represent a parabola. Then, draw the parabola and its axis of symmetry.
Points: (-2, 4), (-1, 1), (0, 0), (1, 1), (2, 4)