Equation of a Parabola

Equation of a Parabola in Standard Form

bullety = ax2            where a is not equal to 0.

The vertex of this parabola is ( 0, 0 ).

The line of symmetry is x = 0.

The y intercept is 0.

If a > 0, then the parabola opens up.

If a < 0, then the parabola opens down.

 

bullety = ax2 + bx + c        where a is not equal to 0.

First, transform the equation to the following form:

bullet

This is done by completing the square.

The vertex of this parabola is   .

The line of symmetry is   .

The y intercept is c.

If a > 0, then the parabola opens up.

If a < 0, then the parabola opens down.

 

 

bulletx = ay2            where a is not equal to 0.

The vertex of this parabola is ( 0, 0 ).

The line of symmetry is y = 0.

The x intercept is 0.

If a > 0, then the parabola opens to the right.

If a < 0, then the parabola opens to the left.