# Graphing Parabolas

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Math Worksheets

Videos, worksheets, solutions, and activities to help Algebra students learn how to graph parabolas that are written in the vertex form, y = a(x - h)2 + k, by using the coordinates (h, k) to graph the vertex.

What is the vertex form of a parabola?
The vertex form of a parabola is y = a(x - h)2 + k.

How to graph parabolas that are written in the vertex form?
Given the vertex form y = a(x - h)2 + k
1. Plot the vertex (h, k)
2. If a > 0 then (h, k) is the minimum point, if a < 0 then (h, k) is the maximum point.
3. Substitute x = 0, to get the y-intercept
4. Substitute y = 0, to get the x-intercept

How to convert a parabola from standard form to vertex form?
Short cut method:
Given a parabola, y = ax2 + bx + c,
1. Calculate $$h = - \frac{b}{{2a}},k = f\left( { - \frac{b}{{2a}}} \right)$$
2. Rewrite the equation as y = a(x - h)2 + k.

Graphing Parabolas in the vertex form y = a(x-h)2 + k
Graph parabola vertex form

How to Graph a Parabola
This is a quick review of all the parameters involved in graphing a problem in Vertex form.
Parabola Equations - Graphing Parabolas
Students learn to graph quadratic equations that are written in y - k = a(x - h)2 form by using the coordinates (h, k) to graph the vertex, and using the x and y-intercepts to graph the parabola. Students are reminded that to find the y-intercept, they must substitute a 0 in for x, and to find the x-intercept(s), they must substitute a zero in for y.

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