Functions & Applications (MCF3M) · Quadratic Functions

Axis of symmetry from factored form

Find the axis of symmetry of a parabola given its equation in factored form. Unlimited questions, five difficulty levels, and a full worked solution every time — free.

Practice this skill Curriculum: MCF3M-QF2

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A parabola has equation y = (x - 3)(x - 4). What is the axis of symmetry?

Answer: 3.5

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A parabola has equation y = (x + 1)(x + 5). What is the axis of symmetry?

📘 Worked solution
1Zeros: x = −1 and x = −5Setting each factor to zero gives the x-intercepts of the parabola.
2Axis of symmetry: x = (−1 + −5) / 2 = −3The parabola is symmetric, so its axis is midway between the two zeros.

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