In the context of mathematics, particularly when dealing with parabolas, (h, k) represents the vertex of the parabola when the equation is written in vertex form.
The vertex form of a parabola is given by:
y = a(x - h)² + k
Where:
- (h, k) are the coordinates of the vertex of the parabola.
- 'a' determines the direction and "width" of the parabola. If 'a' is positive, the parabola opens upwards; if 'a' is negative, it opens downwards.
Essentially, h represents the x-coordinate of the vertex, and k represents the y-coordinate of the vertex.
For example, if a parabola is given by the equation y = 2(x - 3)² + 4, then the vertex of the parabola is at the point (3, 4).
