Vertex form (of a quadratic)
SAT glossary · Math
Definition
The form y = a(x-h)^2 + k, which displays the vertex (h,k) and therefore the maximum or minimum value k as a constant. Any stem asking for maximum height or minimum value is asking for this form and no other.
Vertex form (of a quadratic) in plain English
Vertex form of a quadratic, y=a(x-h)^2+k, is specifically built to display the vertex (h,k) directly as constants sitting right in the equation — no extra calculation required. That makes k automatically the parabola's maximum or minimum VALUE. So whenever a question asks for something like 'the maximum height' or 'the minimum value' of a quadratic scenario, it's really asking you to get the equation into THIS particular form (vertex form) — no other form will hand you that answer as directly.
Also called: of a quadratic
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