Parabola Property: Analyzing Vertex Position on X-axis and Negative Values

To solve this problem, let's consider the characteristics of a quadratic function in vertex form:

In vertex form, a quadratic function is written as $y = a(x-h)^2 + k$. Given that the vertex is on the x-axis, the vertex point, $(h, k)$, has $k = 0$. Therefore, the equation becomes $y = a(x-h)^2$.

We need to determine if the function is always negative except for the vertex point. This boils down to the sign of the coefficient $a$:

• If $a < 0$, the parabola opens downward, meaning the function is zero at the vertex and negative elsewhere, satisfying the statement.
• If $a > 0$, the parabola opens upward, meaning the function is zero at the vertex and positive elsewhere, contradicting the statement.
• If $a = 0$, the function is linear and doesn't represent a parabola.

Since no specific information regarding the sign of $a$ is given, we cannot conclusively state that the function is always negative except at the vertex.

Therefore, the solution is: Cannot be determined.