MPM2D Vertex Form 𝒚 = 𝒂(𝒙 − 𝒉)𝟐 + 𝒌

Learning goal: By the end of this lesson, students will be able to graph
a quadratic equation given in vertex form by using the step property.

By combining all the transformations into a single equation, we can

express a quadratic function in vertex form

𝒚 = 𝒂(𝒙 − 𝒉)𝟐 + 𝒌

Vertex form shows how the basic parabola (y=x2) is being transformed (stretched or compressed, shifted
left/right/up/down).

Describe the transformation, state the vertex of each function, and then graph by transforming 𝒚 = 𝒙𝟐

𝒚 = 𝒙𝟐 − 𝟑 𝒚 = (𝒙 − 𝟓)𝟐 + 𝟑 𝒚 = 𝟐(𝒙 + 𝟒)𝟐

y
10

–10 –5 5 10 x

–5

–10

MPM2D Vertex Form 𝒚 = 𝒂(𝒙 − 𝒉)𝟐 + 𝒌

Step Property: graph a quadratic function 𝒚 = 𝒂(𝒙 − 𝒉)𝟐 + 𝒌 without transformations

• Plot the vertex (ℎ, 𝑘)
• From the vertex travel to the right 1 and up 1 × 𝒂
• From the vertex travel to the right 2 and up 4 × 𝒂
• Repeat going left instead of right

Graph the following functions using the step property (two parabolas per grid)
y
𝒚 = (𝒙 + 𝟔)𝟐 + 𝟑 𝒚 = 𝟑(𝒙 − 𝟒)𝟐 − 𝟕
10

Concavity Concavity
Max or Min Max or Min
Vertex 5
Vertex
y-intercept y-intercept
x-intercepts x-intercepts
–10 –5 5 10 x

–5

–10

y 𝟏
𝒚 = −𝟐(𝒙 − 𝟓)𝟐 + 𝟑 10 𝒚 = 𝟒 (𝒙 + 𝟑)𝟐

Concavity Concavity
Max or Min Max or Min
5
Vertex Vertex
y-intercept y-intercept
x-intercepts x-intercepts
–10 –5 5 10 x

–5

–10

MPM2D Vertex Form 𝒚 = 𝒂(𝒙 − 𝒉)𝟐 + 𝒌
Practice: Match each equation to its graph.

Determine the Equation - Finding the ‘a’ value if you know the vertex Steps for finding the a value
1. Substitute the value of your
1. Give the equation for the parabola, which has a vertex of vertex into vertex form
(−2, 4)and passes through the point (−1,5). 2. Substitute ANY POINT on the
function into the function for x
and y.
3. Simplify and solve for a.

MPM2D Vertex Form 𝒚 = 𝒂(𝒙 − 𝒉)𝟐 + 𝒌

2. Give the equation for the parabola, which has a vertex of (1, 5) and passes through the point (4, 8).

3. Give the equation for the parabola, which has a vertex of (9, 4) and an x-intercept of 5.

4. Give the equation for the parabola, which has a vertex of (−2, 2) and a y-intercept of 0.