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Define the axis of symmetry of a parabola. Then give its formula for y=ax2+bx+cy=ax^2+bx+c.

Question: Define the axis of symmetry of a parabola. Then give its formula for y=ax2+bx+cy=ax^2+bx+c.

Sample answer: The axis of symmetry is the vertical line that divides a parabola into two mirror-image halves and passes through its vertex. Its formula is x=b2ax=-\frac{b}{2a}.

Key points:

  • It is a vertical line.
  • It divides the parabola into two mirror-image halves.
  • It passes through the vertex.
  • For y=ax2+bx+cy=ax^2+bx+c, it is x=b2ax=-\frac{b}{2a}.

Rubric: The answer should describe the axis of symmetry as a vertical line dividing the parabola into mirror-image halves and give the correct formula.

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Updated 2026-08-30

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