Finding the Axis of Symmetry - STANDARD form

Topic:
Symmetry
The diagram below shows a parabola and the equation of the parabola in both VERTEX FORM and STANDARD FORM Follow the instructions given below to investigate the relationship between the parameters a, b and c of the equation of the parabola in STANDARD form and the equation of the axis of symmetry.
Question 1:
  • Set
  • Change the value of the parameter b and observe how the equation of the axis of symmetry changes
  • If you change the value of the parameter c, what is the impact on the equation of the axis of symmetry?
Question 2:
  • Set
  • Change the value of the parameter b and observe how the equation of the axis of symmetry changes
Question 3:
  • Set
  • Change the value of the parameter b and observe how the equation of the axis of symmetry changes
Question 4: By exploring further, what conclusions can you come to about the relationship between the parameters a, b and c of the equation of a parabola in STANDARD form and the equation of the axis of symmetry? Hence, write a rule for the equation of the axis of symmetry using one or more of the parameters a, b and c in the form,