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Parabola - GCSE Maths Definition

Reviewed by: Dan Finlay

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A parabola is the name of a union-shaped, or intersection-shape, that arises from the graphs of quadratic functions - i.e. those that involve a term in x^2. A parabola is a symmetrical curve, with its line of symmetry passing through its turning point, or vertex. The vertex will either be a minimum point (union-shaped parabola) or a maximum point (intersection-shape parabola). Parabolas can be used to model many real-world situations, such as the path a ball takes when it is thrown, or the height of a person during a fairground ride.

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Dan Finlay

Reviewer: Dan Finlay

Expertise: Maths Subject Lead

Dan graduated from the University of Oxford with a First class degree in mathematics. As well as teaching maths for over 8 years, Dan has marked a range of exams for Edexcel, tutored students and taught A Level Accounting. Dan has a keen interest in statistics and probability and their real-life applications.

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