Question

which parabola will have a minimum value vertex?

Explanation:

Step1: Recall parabola direction rule

A parabola in the form \( y = ax^2 + bx + c \) opens upward (has a minimum vertex) if \( a > 0 \) (the coefficient of \( x^2 \) is positive) and opens downward (has a maximum vertex) if \( a < 0 \). Visually, upward - opening parabolas "open" like a "U" and downward - opening parabolas open like an "n".

Step2: Analyze each graph

• First graph: Opens downward (like "n"), so it has a maximum vertex.
• Second graph: Opens downward (like "n"), so it has a maximum vertex.
• Third graph: Opens downward (like "n"), so it has a maximum vertex.
• Fourth graph: Opens upward (like "U"), so it has a minimum vertex.

Answer:

The fourth parabola (the one that opens upward, shaped like a "U")