Key Characteristics 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 parabola?

Back

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

Front

How do you find the vertex of a quadratic function in standard form?

Back

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

Front

What does it mean if a parabola opens upwards?

Back

If a parabola opens upwards, it means the coefficient 'a' in the quadratic function is positive, indicating that the vertex is a minimum point.

Front

What does it mean if a parabola opens downwards?

Back

If a parabola opens downwards, it means the coefficient 'a' in the quadratic function is negative, indicating that the vertex is a maximum point.

Front

What are the x-intercepts of a quadratic function?

Back

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

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 is the significance of the discriminant in a quadratic equation?

Back

The discriminant (D = b² - 4ac) determines the nature of the roots: if D > 0, there are two distinct real roots; if D = 0, there is one real root; if D < 0, there are no real roots.

Front

What is the maximum value of a quadratic function?

Back

The maximum value occurs at the vertex if the parabola opens downwards.