Vertex Form of Parabolas
A Standard Form of a quadratic equation is: a (x - h)² + k
If a ≠ 0, this equation is a parabola which has several points:
Vertex (Turning Point)
0, 1, or 2 x-intecepts
1 y-intercept
There is a sample charge at on the worksheet. Create a similar chart on your paper; for the sketch column, allow more room. Move the sliders a, b, and c to create a record of your work.
Examine the table to see if you can determine a pattern for the variables a, b, and c from the chart. I suggest testing initially with only one slider at a time. Do a second chart varying only two sliders; then vary all three.