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Mathematics vocabulary · Geometry

Vertex

Meaning in mathematics, with examples

/ˈvɜːrteks/nounCommon term

In mathematics, vertex means: A corner point where two or more lines or edges meet, such as a corner of a triangle or a cube; also the turning point of a parabola.

In Turkish: köşe, tepe noktası

How it is used

A triangle has three vertices and a cube has eight. Angles are named by their vertex: in angle ABC the vertex is B. For the parabola y = ax² + bx + c, the vertex is at x = −b/2a.

Example sentences

  1. Label each vertex of the triangle with a capital letter.

  2. The vertex of the parabola is at (2, −1), so its minimum value is −1.

Common collocations

  • vertex of a triangle
  • vertex of a parabola
  • opposite vertex
  • vertices of a cube
  • angleThe amount of turn between two lines or rays that meet at a point, measured in degrees or radians.
  • triangleA flat shape with three straight sides and three angles; the angles inside any triangle always add up to 180 degrees.
  • quadratic equationAn equation in which the highest power of the variable is 2, written in the form ax² + bx + c = 0, where a is not zero.
  • graphA drawing that shows the relationship between quantities, especially all the points (x, y) of a function shown on a pair of axes.

More terms: Geometry

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