Flashcard 5.1-5.2. Solve 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 are the roots of a quadratic equation?

Back

The roots of a quadratic equation are the values of x that make the equation equal to zero. They can be found using factoring, completing the square, or the quadratic formula.

Front

What is the quadratic formula?

Back

The quadratic formula is x = (-b ± √(b² - 4ac)) / (2a), used to find the roots of the quadratic equation ax² + bx + c = 0.

Front

What does it mean for a quadratic function to have real roots?

Back

A quadratic function has real roots if the discriminant (b² - 4ac) is greater than or equal to zero.

Front

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

Back

The x-intercepts of a quadratic function can be found by setting the function equal to zero and solving for x.

Front

What is the vertex of a quadratic function?

Back

The vertex of a quadratic function is the highest or lowest point on the graph, located at the point (h, k) where h = -b/(2a) and k = f(h).

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 (b² - 4ac) determines 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 solve a quadratic equation by factoring?

Back

To solve by factoring, rewrite the equation in the form (x - p)(x - q) = 0, then set each factor equal to zero to find the roots x = p and x = q.

Front

What is the standard form of a quadratic function?

Back

The standard form of a quadratic function is f(x) = ax² + bx + c, where a, b, and c are constants.