Parabola-complete square to get vertex

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Taught by YourMathGal
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Lesson Summary:

In this lesson, you will learn how to complete the square on a parabola in the form ax^2 + bx + c to find the vertex point. By using the formula, x = -b/2a, you can easily find the axis of symmetry, which is necessary for finding the vertex. This method is demonstrated on a problem of graphing the parabola y = x^2 - 4x + 5, and the steps are shown in a clear and concise way.

Lesson Description:

Graphing Parabolas; Video on How to complete the square on a parabola in the form ax^2 + bx + c to get a formula for the equation of the line that is axis of symmetry (x = -b/2a), and how to find the vertex point. The formula is used to find the vertex point for y = x^2 - 4x + 5;

More free YouTube videos by Julie Harland are organized at http://yourmathgal.com

Questions answered by this video:
  • How do you find the vertex of a parabola in the form y = ax^2 + bx + c?
  • What is the formula for finding the vertex of a parabola in the form y = ax^2 + bx + c?
  • How do you derive the formula for the vertex of a parabola by completing the square?
  • How can you complete the square to find the vertex of the parabola y = x^2 - 4x + 5?
  • How do you convert a quadratic equation from standard form into vertex form?
  • Staff Review

    • Currently 4.0/5 Stars.
    This lesson explains where the formula for finding the vertex of a parabola in standard form comes from. All steps for completing the square and converting the equation from y = ax^2 + bx + c to y = a(x - h)^2 + k are explained. One practice problem is also shown.