Finding the Vertex of a Parabola

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 38 views

Introduction

In mathematics, a parabola is a quadratic equation that can be represented in the form $y = ax^2 + bx + c$ . The vertex of a parabola is the highest or lowest point on the curve, and it plays a crucial role in understanding the behavior of the parabola. In this article, we will focus on finding the vertex of the parabola $y = x^2 - 3x + 1$ .

What is the Vertex of a Parabola?

The vertex of a parabola is the point where the parabola changes direction. It is the highest point on the curve if the parabola opens upwards, and the lowest point if the parabola opens downwards. The vertex is represented by the coordinates $(h, k)$ , where $h$ is the x-coordinate and $k$ is the y-coordinate.

Finding the Vertex of a Parabola

To find the vertex of a parabola, we can use the formula $h = -\frac{b}{2a}$ , where $a$ and $b$ are the coefficients of the quadratic equation. In our case, the quadratic equation is $y = x^2 - 3x + 1$ , so $a = 1$ and $b = -3$ .

Step 1: Calculate the x-coordinate of the vertex

Using the formula $h = -\frac{b}{2a}$ , we can calculate the x-coordinate of the vertex as follows:

$h = -\frac{-3}{2(1)}$ $h = \frac{3}{2}$

Step 2: Calculate the y-coordinate of the vertex

Now that we have the x-coordinate of the vertex, we can substitute it into the quadratic equation to find the y-coordinate. Plugging in $x = \frac{3}{2}$ into the equation $y = x^2 - 3x + 1$ , we get:

$y = \left(\frac{3}{2}\right)^2 - 3\left(\frac{3}{2}\right) + 1$ $y = \frac{9}{4} - \frac{9}{2} + 1$ $y = \frac{9}{4} - \frac{18}{4} + \frac{4}{4}$ $y = -\frac{5}{4}$

Simplifying the Coordinates

The coordinates of the vertex are $\left(\frac{3}{2}, -\frac{5}{4}\right)$ . We can simplify these coordinates by finding a common denominator, which is 4.

$\left(\frac{3}{2}, -\frac{5}{4}\right) = \left(\frac{6}{4}, -\frac{5}{4}\right)$

Conclusion

In this article, we have found the vertex of the parabola $y = x^2 - 3x + 1$ . We used the formula $h = -\frac{b}{2a}$ to calculate the x-coordinate of the vertex, and then substituted it into the quadratic equation to find the y-coordinate. The coordinates of the vertex are $\left(\frac{6}{4}, -\frac{5}{4}\right)$ .

Real-World Applications

The vertex of a parabola has many real-world applications. For example, in physics, the vertex of a parabola can represent the maximum height of a projectile. In engineering, the vertex of a parabola can represent the maximum stress on a beam. In economics, the vertex of a parabola can represent the maximum profit of a company.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When finding the vertex of a parabola, there are several common mistakes to avoid. One mistake is to forget to simplify the coordinates. Another mistake is to use the wrong formula to calculate the x-coordinate of the vertex. Finally, a common mistake is to substitute the wrong value into the quadratic equation to find the y-coordinate.

Practice Problems

To practice finding the vertex of a parabola, try the following problems:

Find the vertex of the parabola $y = x^2 + 4x - 3$ .
Find the vertex of the parabola $y = x^2 - 2x + 1$ .
Find the vertex of the parabola $y = x^2 + 3x - 2$ .

Conclusion

$In conclusion, finding the vertex of a parabola is an important concept in mathematics. By using the formula $h = -\frac{b}{2a}$, we can calculate the x-coordinate of the vertex, and then substitute it into the quadratic equation to find the y-coordinate. The coordinates of the vertex are $\left(\frac{6}{4}, -\frac{5}{4}\right)$. We hope this article has helped you understand how to find the vertex of a parabola.<br/> **Frequently Asked Questions: Finding the Vertex of a Parabola**$

Q: What is the vertex of a parabola?

A: The vertex of a parabola is the highest or lowest point on the curve. It is represented by the coordinates $(h, k)$ , where $h$ is the x-coordinate and $k$ is the y-coordinate.

Q: How do I find the vertex of a parabola?

A: To find the vertex of a parabola, you can use the formula $h = -\frac{b}{2a}$ , where $a$ and $b$ are the coefficients of the quadratic equation. Then, substitute the value of $h$ into the quadratic equation to find the value of $k$ .

Q: What is the formula for finding the x-coordinate of the vertex?

A: The formula for finding the x-coordinate of the vertex is $h = -\frac{b}{2a}$ .

Q: What is the formula for finding the y-coordinate of the vertex?

A: To find the y-coordinate of the vertex, substitute the value of $h$ into the quadratic equation.

Q: How do I simplify the coordinates of the vertex?

A: To simplify the coordinates of the vertex, find a common denominator and rewrite the fractions with that denominator.

Q: What are some real-world applications of the vertex of a parabola?

A: The vertex of a parabola has many real-world applications, including physics, engineering, and economics. For example, in physics, the vertex of a parabola can represent the maximum height of a projectile. In engineering, the vertex of a parabola can represent the maximum stress on a beam. In economics, the vertex of a parabola can represent the maximum profit of a company.

Q: What are some common mistakes to avoid when finding the vertex of a parabola?

A: Some common mistakes to avoid when finding the vertex of a parabola include forgetting to simplify the coordinates, using the wrong formula to calculate the x-coordinate of the vertex, and substituting the wrong value into the quadratic equation to find the y-coordinate.

Q: How do I practice finding the vertex of a parabola?

A: To practice finding the vertex of a parabola, try the following problems:

Find the vertex of the parabola $y = x^2 + 4x - 3$ .
Find the vertex of the parabola $y = x^2 - 2x + 1$ .
Find the vertex of the parabola $y = x^2 + 3x - 2$ .

Q: What is the significance of the vertex of a parabola?

A: The vertex of a parabola is significant because it represents the highest or lowest point on the curve. It is also used in many real-world applications, including physics, engineering, and economics.

Q: Can the vertex of a parabola be negative?

A: Yes, the vertex of a parabola can be negative. For example, the parabola $y = x^2 - 3x + 1$ has a vertex at $\left(\frac{3}{2}, -\frac{5}{4}\right)$ , which is a negative value.

Q: Can the vertex of a parabola be a fraction?

A: Yes, the vertex of a parabola can be a fraction. For example, the parabola $y = x^2 - 3x + 1$ has a vertex at $\left(\frac{3}{2}, -\frac{5}{4}\right)$ , which is a fraction.

Q: Can the vertex of a parabola be a decimal?

A: Yes, the vertex of a parabola can be a decimal. For example, the parabola $y = x^2 - 3x + 1$ has a vertex at $\left(1.5, -1.25\right)$ , which is a decimal.

Q: Can the vertex of a parabola be a negative decimal?

A: Yes, the vertex of a parabola can be a negative decimal. For example, the parabola $y = x^2 - 3x + 1$ has a vertex at $\left(1.5, -1.25\right)$ , which is a negative decimal.