difference between the axis of symmetry and the vertex?

Question

When dealing with quadratic functions, what is the difference between the axis of symmetry and the vertex?

For example in -2(x+3)^2+1
whats the axis of symmetry and the vertex?

Answer 1

the axis of symmetry is when you say x=2, or y=3 depending on the direction of the graph. on yours though.. the axis would be x=-3

now the vertex is the highest or lowest point on the graph(when your dealing with parabolas, which you are) just take the point of the axis where it hits the equation(-3, 1)

Answer 2

Axis Of Symmetry And Vertex

Answer 3

I don't know how to do the problem.



The axis of symmetry of a two-dimensional figure is a line such that, if a perpendicular is constructed, any two points lying on the perpendicular at equal distances from the axis of symmetry are identical. Another way to think about it is that if the shape were to be folded in half over the axis, the two halves would be identical: the two halves are each other's mirror image. Thus a square has four axes of symmetry, because there are four different ways to fold it and have the edges all match. A circle has infinitely many axes of symmetry, for the same reason.



http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Axis_of_symmetry



In geometry, a vertex (plural "vertices") is a special kind of point, usually a corner of a polygon, polyhedron, or higher dimensional polytope.



http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vertex_%28geometry%29

Answer 4

Both can be obtained from cutting a cone. In a hyperbola, the cut is vertical while in a parabola, the cut is at a specific angle (perpendicular to the diagonal edge). Hope this helps.