Lesson 2

Discover

 

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It is time to investigate how the coordinates of the vertex of a quadratic function are related to the variables a, p, and q in the function y = a(x − p)2 + q.

 

Try This 1

 

In Quadratic Function (Vertex Form), move the vertex (marked as a red dot) of the quadratic function to a variety of different locations on the grid. Note how the coordinates of the vertex (in red) compare to the values of the variables a, q, and p of the quadratic function (in black).

1. Record your observations in a table like the one shown.
   
   
    

   y = a(x − p)2 + q	Vertex Coordinates
   	( , )
   	( , )
   	( , )
   	( , )
   	( , )

   
   
   
2. What relationship do you see between the coordinates of the vertex and the variables in the quadratic function y = a(x − p)2 + q?
   

Save your responses in your course folder.

 

Share 1

 

With a partner or group, compare and discuss your answers to Try This 1.

 

Summarize your discussion by creating a rule that describes how to identify the coordinates of the vertex when given a quadratic function in the form of y = a(x − p)2 + q.

 

Save your responses in your course folder.