Click on the link below.
Transforming Parabolas
Use this eTool to support a class discussion about the equation y = a(x − h)2 + k.
- Identify which parameter (a, h, or k) affects the orientation, vertical shift, horizontal shift, vertical stretch, and vertical compression of the graph compared to the graph of the parent function y = x2.
- What values stretch the graph vertically? Compress the graph vertically? Why do those values have these impacts?
- What values cause the graph to flip vertically?
- What values cause the graph to shift to the left? To the right? Why?
- What values cause the graph to shift up or down? Why?
- Are there points on your graph that connect to specific parameters in the equation? Explain.
![](https://media.screensteps.com/image_assets/assets/001/816/627/original/c94df300-48bf-45a8-bfff-69644d7acda8.png)
Use the sliders to change the parameters.
Click the blue points on the sliders and drag (horizontally) to change the parameters.
![](https://media.screensteps.com/image_assets/assets/001/816/625/original/addd684f-7868-4110-aa4d-67be37d5b077.png)