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What is vertex form?
In a parabola the vertex form equation is expressed as:
This moves the vertex left or right, depending on the sign. The sign is always the opposite when you plot it on the graph. It's the x-coordinate in the vertex. (x,y)
The sign of "a" tells us if the parabola will open up or down. If the number is a negative, it opens down. If the number is a positive, it opens up. The "a" tells us the step pattern and stretches the parabola.
This gives the parabola the curved shape. If there's no ^2 it's not a vertex form.
The "k" moves the vertex up or down. It's the value of the y-coordinate in the graph.
(x,y)
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