Solving Quadratics - All Methods

Front

What is a quadratic equation?

Back

A quadratic equation is a polynomial equation of degree 2, typically in the form ax² + bx + c = 0, where a, b, and c are constants and a ≠ 0.

Front

What are the methods to solve quadratic equations?

Back

The methods to solve quadratic equations include factoring, completing the square, using the quadratic formula, and graphing.

Front

What is the quadratic formula?

Back

The quadratic formula is x = (-b ± √(b² - 4ac)) / (2a), used to find the solutions of a quadratic equation.

Front

How do you factor a quadratic equation?

Back

To factor a quadratic equation, find two numbers that multiply to ac (the product of a and c) and add to b (the coefficient of x). Then, rewrite the equation in factored form.

Front

What does the discriminant of a quadratic equation indicate?

Back

The discriminant, given by b² - 4ac, indicates the nature of the roots: if positive, there are two distinct real roots; if zero, there is one real root; if negative, there are two complex roots.

Front

How do you complete the square for a quadratic equation?

Back

To complete the square, rearrange the equation to isolate the constant term, then add and subtract (b/2)² to form a perfect square trinomial.

Front

What is the vertex form of a quadratic equation?

Back

The vertex form of a quadratic equation is y = a(x - h)² + k, where (h, k) is the vertex of the parabola.

Front

How can you determine the vertex of a quadratic function?

Back

The vertex can be found using the formula h = -b/(2a) for the x-coordinate, and then substituting h back into the equation to find the y-coordinate.

Front

What is the axis of symmetry in a quadratic function?

Back

The axis of symmetry is a vertical line that divides the parabola into two mirror-image halves, given by the equation x = -b/(2a).

Front

What are the x-intercepts of a quadratic function?

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The x-intercepts are the points where the graph of the quadratic function crosses the x-axis, found by solving the equation ax² + bx + c = 0.