A. Definitions
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Parabola - the graph of a quadratic equation, which is u-shaped
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Vertex Point - it's the highest or lowest point on the graph
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Axis of Symmetry - the vertical line that goes through the vertex point
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Standard Form - y = ax² + bx + c
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Vertex Form - y = a(x - h)² + k
B. Steps for Graphing a Quadratic Equation in Standard Form
- Determine if the graph will open up or down.
- Opens up if "a" is positive (the vertex point will be the minimum point).
- Opens down if "a" is negative (the vertex point is the maximum point).
- Find the vertex point.
- Find the x-value by x = -b/(2a).
- Find the y-value by substituting the x-value into the equation and solving for "y".
- Find more points to determine the graph.
- Choose two integers larger than the x-value of the vertex point.
- Choose two integers smaller than the x-value of the vertex point.
- Substitute these values in place of "x" in the equation and solve for "y".
- Four ordered pairs have been found.
- Graph and connect all points that have been found.
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