Week 8 – Properties Of a Quadratic Function

A quadratic function is any function that can be written in the form y = ax²+bx+c. This is called the general form of the equation of a quadratic function.

The graph of every quadratic function is a parabola.

• The vertex of a parabola is its highest or lowest point. The vertex may be a minimum point or a maximum point.
• The axis of symmetry intersects the parabola at the vertex.
• The coefficient of x² determines whether the parabola opens up or opens down:
  • When it is positive, the parabola opens up and its vertex is at a minimum point.
  • When it is negative, the parabola opens down and its vertex is at a maximum point.

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