Finding the Axis of Symmetry - STANDARD form
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,