---
title: Graphing Quadratics Vertex Form
---
## Graphing Quadratics Vertex Form

Vertex form of a parabola's equation:
 
<img src="https://github.com/codersc/freeCodeCamp-article-images/blob/master/art3img1.png?raw=true" alt="Formula showing y equals a times (x minus h)-squared plus k">
 
The point (h, k) is the vertex. When a is positive the parabola opens upwards.
  
<img src="https://github.com/codersc/freeCodeCamp-article-images/blob/master/art3img2.png?raw=true" alt="Parabola (u-shaped graph) with the lowest point (the vertex) marked with (h, k)">
 
When a is negative the parabola opens downwards.
 
<img src="https://github.com/codersc/freeCodeCamp-article-images/blob/master/art3img4.png?raw=true" alt="Upside-down parabola (u-shaped graph) with the highest point (the vertex) marked with (h, k)">
 
When |a| < 1 the parabola is compressed vertically.
 
<img src="https://github.com/codersc/freeCodeCamp-article-images/blob/master/art3img5.png?raw=true" alt="Wider version of a parabola (u-shaped graph)">
 
When |a| > 1 the parabola becomes narrower.
 
<img src="https://github.com/codersc/freeCodeCamp-article-images/blob/master/art3img6.png?raw=true" alt="Narrower version of a parabola (u-shaped graph)">