The Vertex and Axis of Symmetry - Problem 5

One of the most important points of a quadratic function is the turning point, or vertex. The vertex will always represent either the maximum or minimum y value that a quadratic function will reach. It is always placed on the vertical axis of symmetry. To find the x value of the vertex from standard form, we could complete the square or do x = -b/2a. The y value comes when we substitute this x value back into the original function. If you complete the square or have an equation given to you in vertex form, the vertex is the opposite of what is in the parentheses with x as the x coordinate, and then the constant that is outside the squared base as the y value.