Solve Quadratics by Factoring

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 does it mean to factor a quadratic equation?

Back

Factoring a quadratic equation means expressing it as a product of two binomials, such as (x - p)(x - q) = 0, where p and q are the solutions of the equation.

Front

What are the solutions of the equation (x - 5)(x + 6) = 0?

Back

The solutions are x = 5 and x = -6.

Front

How do you find the zeros of a quadratic function?

Back

To find the zeros of a quadratic function, set the equation equal to zero and solve for x, either by factoring, using the quadratic formula, or completing the square.

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

What is the significance of the discriminant in a quadratic equation?

Back

The discriminant (b² - 4ac) determines the nature of the roots: if it's positive, there are two distinct real roots; if zero, one real root; if negative, two complex roots.

Front

What are the steps to solve a quadratic equation by factoring?

Back

1. Write the equation in standard form (ax² + bx + c = 0). 2. Factor the quadratic expression. 3. Set each factor equal to zero. 4. Solve for x.

Front

What is the vertex of a parabola?

Back

The vertex of a parabola is the highest or lowest point on the graph, depending on whether it opens upwards or downwards.

Front

How do you determine if a quadratic opens upwards or downwards?

Back

A quadratic opens upwards if the coefficient of x² (a) is positive and downwards if it is negative.

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 formula x = -b/(2a).