Hey you…
Maybe watch this, if you dare:
WILD.
So yes, parabolas might look fancy, but they’re just big U-shaped graphs that show up in SAT math. If you’ve ever felt confused about how to find the vertex of a parabola when it’s written in standard form, you’re not alone. The good news? There’s a straightforward formula to help you, and once you know it, you’ll feel like a parabola pro. Even if test anxiety or SAT anxiety tries to mess with your confidence, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know.
Let’s dive in and learn how to find the vertex of a parabola step by step.
What Is a Parabola’s Vertex?
The vertex of a parabola is its highest or lowest point, depending on which way the parabola opens. If the parabola opens upwards (like a smile), the vertex is the lowest point. If it opens downwards (like a frown), the vertex is the highest point.
For a parabola written in standard form:
The vertex is the point (x,y) where the graph changes direction. The x-coordinate of the vertex can be found using a simple formula, and the y-coordinate is calculated by plugging the x-coordinate back into the equation.
The Formula for the Vertex (a.k.a. the Axis of Symmetry)
Breaking It Down with an Example
Let’s try an example to see how this works.
Example: Find the vertex of the parabola given by:
Step 1: Identify a, b, and c
Step 2: Use the Vertex Formula
Step 3: Find the y-coordinate
Another Practice Problem
Step 3: Find the y-coordinate
Test Anxiety Tip: Keep It Simple
Final Thoughts
Finding the vertex of a parabola in standard form is just about following the formula and plugging in values. Once you practice a few problems, these questions will start to feel like second nature.
For more tips and tricks to beat test anxiety and tackle SAT math with confidence, keep checking back on this blog. You’ve got this—go show those parabolas who’s boss!