Mental Map Ivana

Mental Map Ivana

1. What is a parabola? A parabola is a curve where any point is at an equal distance from: a fixed point (the focus ), and a fixed straight line (the directrix ).

2. What is the vertex of a parabola? The vertex of a parabola is the highest or lowest point, also known as the maximum or minimum of a parabola. If a is positive then the parabola opens upwards like a regular "U". If a is negative, then the graph opens downwards like an upside down "U". If |a| < 1, the graph of the parabola widens. This just means that the "U" shape of parabola stretches out sideways . Explore the way that 'a' works using our interactive parabola grapher. If |a| > 1, the graph of the graph becomes narrower(The effect is the opposite of |a| < 1).

3. What is a parabola´s axis of symmetry? Every parabola has an axis of symmetry which is the line that runs down its 'center'. This line divides the graph into two perfect halves.

4. What is the equation of a parabola? he "general" form of a parabola's equation is the one you're used to, y = ax2 + bx + c — unless the quadratic is "sideways", in which case the equation will look something like x = ay2 + by + c.

5. References: Equation of a parabola. (n.d.). In Math Warehouse. Retrieved from http://www.mathwarehouse.com/geometry/parabola/standard-and-vertex-form.php Conics: Parabolas: Introduction.(2010). In Purple Math. Retrieved from http://www.purplemath.com/modules/parabola.htm

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