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Axis of Symmetry
See It in Action
Two examples of the idea done right—and one common look-alike that is not right.
EXAMPLE
EXAMPLE
NON-EXAMPLE
Definition
In Algebra 1, the axis of symmetry refers to a vertical line that divides a parabola (the graph of a quadratic function) into two mirror-image halves. This line goes through the vertex of the parabola and ensures that the left and right sides of the graph are symmetrical.
For a quadratic function in the form y = ax^2 + bx + c, the axis of symmetry can be found using the formula:
Where:
a and b are the coefficients from the quadratic equation ax^2 + bx + c,
The axis of symmetry is a vertical line, meaning it has the equation x= value.
The axis of symmetry is important because it helps to identify the vertex and the shape of the parabola.
Video
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