Parabola - GCSE Maths Definition
Reviewed by: Dan Finlay
Last updated
A parabola is the name of a -shaped, or
-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 (
-shaped parabola) or a maximum point (
-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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