- #1
Tyrion101
- 166
- 2
I've run into stumbling block here, is some sort of conversion required when your equation looks like: (x+1/2)^2 = 12(y - 3). Do I move it to standard form or can I graph it as is?
Vertex form is a way of writing a quadratic equation in the form y = a(x-h)^2 + k, where (h,k) represents the coordinates of the vertex of the parabola.
Graphing in vertex form allows us to easily identify the vertex and axis of symmetry of a parabola, while standard form (y = ax^2 + bx + c) requires additional steps such as completing the square.
The vertex in vertex form is already given as (h,k). The value of h represents the x-coordinate of the vertex, while k represents the y-coordinate.
The "a" value in vertex form determines the direction and shape of the parabola. If a is positive, the parabola opens upwards, and if a is negative, the parabola opens downwards.
Yes, you can graph a parabola in vertex form without using a calculator by identifying the coordinates of the vertex and using the axis of symmetry to plot other points on the parabola. However, a calculator can be helpful in quickly generating multiple points and accurately graphing the parabola.