Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Practice Exam

What is the center point of any curve called?

1. Radius

2. Apex

3. Tangent

4. Vertex

The correct answer is: Apex

The center point of any curve is referred to as the vertex. In the context of shapes and curves, a vertex is where two or more curves or lines meet, and it typically represents a significant point on the curve. For instance, in parabolic, circular, or other types of curves, the vertex can indicate the highest or lowest point of that curve or the point of intersection, depending on the shape in question. The other choices do not accurately describe the center point of a curve. The radius refers to the distance from the center of a circle to any point on its circumference, not the center itself. The apex is commonly used to refer to the highest point of a shape, typically in a conical context. The tangent represents a line or plane that touches a curve at a given point, indicating a specific direction at that point but not serving as a center point. Thus, vertex is the most appropriate term for the described concept.