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Finding the Axis of Symmetry and Vertex of a Parabola

To find the axis of symmetry and the vertex of a parabola given by the equation y=ax2+bx+cy = ax^2 + bx + c, follow these steps:

  1. Find the axis of symmetry: Identify the coefficients aa and bb from the quadratic equation. Substitute these values into the formula x=b2ax = -\frac{b}{2a}. The result is the vertical line that forms the axis of symmetry.
  2. Find the x-coordinate of the vertex: The x-coordinate of the vertex is the exact same value found for the axis of symmetry, x=b2ax = -\frac{b}{2a}.
  3. Find the y-coordinate of the vertex: Substitute the calculated x-coordinate back into the original quadratic equation and evaluate to solve for yy.
  4. State the vertex: Write the final result as an ordered pair (x,y)(x, y).

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Updated 2026-04-21

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