Vertex of a Parabola

Vertex of a Parabola

The point at which a parabola makes its sharpest turn. The vertex is halfway between the directrix and the focus.

Upward-opening parabola curve with the lowest point labeled "vertex" at its bottom center.

Example:

Graph of upward-opening parabola with vertex at (3,-2), focus above vertex, vertical axis of symmetry at x=3, and horizontal...

This is a graph of the parabola with all its major features labeled: axis of symmetry, focus, vertex, and directrix.

See also

Vertex, vertices of an ellipse, vertices of a hyperbola