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Leading Coefficient and Quadratic Functions

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 Graphing Some Functions of the form f(x) = ax^2 with different positive a-values on the same coordinate plane can summarize the effect of the leading coefficient on the quadratic function. 0 < |a| < 1: Wide Parabola |a| > 1: Narrower Parabola a > 0: The parabola opens up a < 0: The parabola opens downward

Quadratic Functions

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  Vertex Form of Quadratic Functions The function f(x)=a(x-h)^2 + k is called the vertex form of a quadratic function.    Because the vertex is translated  h horizontal units and k vertical units from the origin then the vertex of the parabola  is (h,k) Effect of (k) on the quadratic function Effect of (h) on the quadratic function (k) represents the vertical translation  k > 0 the graph shits up k < 0 the graph shifts down Effect of (a) on the quadratic function                 (h) represents the horizontal translation                    h > 0 the graph shits right                   h < 0 the graph shifts left (a) affects the direction and the shape of the parabola |a| > 1 the parabola is narrower |a| < 1 the parabola is wider a < 0 the parabola opens down