What is the vertex of the quadratic in vertex form y = -a(x - h)^2 + k?

Study for the Algebra 1 Honors End-of-Course Test. Study with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Multiple Choice

What is the vertex of the quadratic in vertex form y = -a(x - h)^2 + k?

Explanation:
The vertex is at (h, k). In vertex form, the expression (x − h)² centers the parabola at x = h, and the constant k shifts it up so the y-value at the vertex is k. When x = h, the squared term is zero, so y = −a(0) + k = k. The minus sign in front of a only affects whether the parabola opens upward or downward; it does not move the vertex. The other choices would place the vertex at the wrong coordinates: swapping x and y, negating both, or negating only the y-value.

The vertex is at (h, k). In vertex form, the expression (x − h)² centers the parabola at x = h, and the constant k shifts it up so the y-value at the vertex is k. When x = h, the squared term is zero, so y = −a(0) + k = k. The minus sign in front of a only affects whether the parabola opens upward or downward; it does not move the vertex. The other choices would place the vertex at the wrong coordinates: swapping x and y, negating both, or negating only the y-value.

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