The vertex of a parabola is the highest or lowest point, also known as the maximum or minimum of a parabola.

Properties of the Vertex of a Parabola

• is the maximum or minimum value of the parabola (see picture below)
  
• is the turning point of the parabola
• the axis of symmetry intersects the vertex (see picture below)
  

How to find the vertex

Depends on whether the equation is in vertex or standard form

Finding Vertex from Standard Form
The x-coordinate of the vertex can be found by the formula -b/2a, and to get the y value of the vertex, just substitute -b/2a, into the equation.

Finding Vertex from Vertex Form

It's called 'vertex form' for a reason! The vertex is just (h,k) from the equation.