Maximum and Minimum:

The vertex is the highest or lowest point of the graph, which is another way of saying the maximum and minimum. If the vertex of a parabola is the lowest point of the graph, then it is known as the minimum. It would look like a V shape. If the vertex of a parabola is the highest point of the graph, then it is known as the maximum. Would look like an upside down V.

The vertex is used to determine the coordinates of the point on the parabola’s axis of symmetry where it crosses it. By knowing if the parabola is maximum or minimum, we can see if the vertex is positive or if it is negative.

Original form of the quadratic equation: y = . Now, we use this equation to find us the vertexes of the points on a certain graph.

You can change this equation into this to find the y-vertex: . While you can use the y-vertex equation, I prefer finding the x-vertex and plugging it back in to the equation to find the y value.

You can change this equation into this to find the x-vertex: .