Key features of quadratic functions

Front

What is a quadratic function?

Back

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

Front

What is the standard form of a quadratic function?

Back

The standard form of a quadratic function is f(x) = ax² + bx + c.

Front

What is the vertex of a quadratic function?

Back

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

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).

Front

How do you find the x-intercepts of a quadratic function?

Back

The x-intercepts can be found by setting f(x) = 0 and solving the equation ax² + bx + c = 0.

Front

What is the y-intercept of a quadratic function?

Back

The y-intercept is the point where the graph intersects the y-axis, found by evaluating f(0) = c.

Front

What does the discriminant of a quadratic equation indicate?

Back

The discriminant (D = b² - 4ac) indicates the nature of the roots: D > 0 means two distinct real roots, D = 0 means one real root, and D < 0 means no real roots.

Front

What is the range of a quadratic function that opens upwards?

Back

The range is all real numbers greater than or equal to the y-coordinate of the vertex.

Front

What is the range of a quadratic function that opens downwards?

Back

The range is all real numbers less than or equal to the y-coordinate of the vertex.

Front

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

Back

If the coefficient 'a' in the standard form f(x) = ax² + bx + c is positive, the parabola opens upwards; if 'a' is negative, it opens downwards.