Skip to content
Math Sheet Studio
GeneratorWorksheets by gradePrintablesBlogPricing
GeneratorWorksheets by gradePrintablesBlogPricing
Math Sheet Studio

Printable math worksheets you can fix one question at a time.

Product

GeneratorPricingAll topicsBy Common Core standardBlog

Worksheets

KindergartenGrade 1Grade 2Grade 3Grade 4Grade 5Grade 6Grade 7Grade 8Algebra 1GeometryAlgebra 2Calculus

Company

ContactPrivacyTerms
© 2026 Math Sheet StudioPrivacy · Terms
Worksheets›Algebra 1›Quadratic functions & equations›Writing equations of parabolas

Writing Equations of Parabolas Worksheets

Free printable worksheets with answer keys. Pick a level, preview the questions, then open the sheet to swap or delete any single question.

Algebra 1CCSS HSF.BF.B.3Answer key includedPDF · Print
Open in generatorStart with an easy sheet

Easy: Shifts of y = x²

  1. 1.Move y = x² 2 left and 5 up.
  2. 2.Move y = x² 6 right and 4 up.
  3. 3.Move y = x² 1 right and 2 up.
  4. 4.Move y = x² 1 right and 3 up.
  5. 5.Move y = x² 5 right and 7 up.
  6. 6.Move y = x² 4 right and 5 down.
Preview shows 6 of 12 questions. Every sheet is new; open it to change any question.

Worksheet variations

Moving y = x² right h and up k gives y = (x − h)² + k. With a vertex and another point, write y = a(x − h)² + k, substitute the point, and solve for a.

EasyMove y = x² 6 right and 4 down.Shifts of y = x²MediumVertex (6, −7), passing through (5, −8)Vertex and a point, whole-number aHardVertex (5, −6), passing through (2, −9)Vertex and a point, fractional or negative a

How to solve it: a worked example

Write the equation of each parabola in vertex form.

  1. StartMove y = x² 4 right and 1 down.
  2. Right h and up k: y = (x − h)² + ky = (x − 4)2 − 1
  3. Answery = (x − 4)2 − 1

Common mistakes to watch for

  • Shifting the wrong way: moving right 3 gives (x − 3)², not (x + 3)².
  • Forgetting to solve for a and leaving it as 1.
  • Substituting the vertex instead of the other point to find a.

Tip: tick “Step-by-step answer key” in the generator to print each step for marking.

Related worksheets

Solving quadratics by factoringVertex of a parabolaCompleting the squareThe quadratic formulaSolving quadratics with square roots

FAQ

How do you find a in vertex form from a point?

Substitute the vertex for h and k and the point for x and y, then solve for a. Vertex (2, 1) and point (4, 9): 9 = a(4 − 2)² + 1, so a = 2.

Why does shifting right by 3 give (x − 3)?

The new graph reaches each height 3 units later, so to get the old value you must subtract 3 from x first. Right is minus, left is plus.

Is every worksheet different?

Yes. Numbers are generated each time, and the answer key is calculated for that sheet. Swap any single question and its answer updates too.

Can I mix writing equations of parabolas with other skills?

Yes. In the generator, add more skills; each gets its own section on the sheet with its own instructions.

Is it free to print?

Yes. Generating and printing from the browser is free with no sign-up. PDF downloads need a free account.