Properties of Quadratic Relations

Key Terminology:

Vertex:
 point on graph with the ________________ or _____________________ y – coordinate
Example: “opens up” “opens down”

Direction Parabola Opens Up:

 can easily seen by looking at a graph
 can also be found by investigating the _______________ ____________________ in a table

It opens up if the second differences are ______________________

It opens down if the second differences are ____________________

Optimal Value:
 used when modelling a situation and is always associated with the vertex.

 The optimal value can either be a ________________ or _____________________ depending on

the direction of the opening.

Maximum – occurs when the quadratic opens ___________________

Example: Max = ___________ when x = _____________

Minimum – occurs when the quadratic opens ____________________

Example: Max = ___________ when x = _____________

Zeros (a.k.a ______________________):

 The zero(s) are where the graph cuts through the _________________________

Axis of Symmetry:
 A _____________________ line dividing a parabola into 2 parts, each which is a mirror image of
the other.
 The vertex always lies on this line. The axis of symmetry is always written as an

_____________________ since it is in fact a LINE.

Lets Try Some Examples Together

x y
1st Differences
2nd Differences
-4

-3

-2

Vertex: __________________________ Direction of Opening: ___________

Optimal value: max/min @______________ y-intercept: __________________

Axis of Symmetry: ______________________ x-intercept(s): __________________

x y
1st Differences
2nd Differences
-4

-3

-2

0
Vertex: __________________________ Direction of Opening: ___________

Optimal value: max/min @______________ y-intercept: __________________

Axis of Symmetry: ______________________ x-intercept(s): __________________