Characteristics of Parabolas Worksheet
Explore the key characteristics of parabolas including vertex, axis of symmetry, and direction of opening.
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Characteristics of Parabolas
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Read each question carefully and answer to the best of your ability. Show all your work where applicable.
1. What is a parabola?
2. Describe the vertex of a parabola.
3. Which of the following equations represents a parabola that opens upwards?
y = -2x² + 3x - 1
y = x² - 5x + 6
y = -x² + 2x + 4
y = -3x² - x + 2
4. The is the line that divides the parabola into two symmetrical halves.
5. The lowest or highest point on a parabola is called the .
6. A parabola always opens either upwards or downwards, never sideways.
True
False
7. For the parabola y = x² - 4x + 3:
a) Find the coordinates of the vertex.
b) Write the equation of the axis of symmetry.
c) Does the parabola open upwards or downwards?
d) Sketch the parabola on the coordinate plane below.