Quadratic Functions Vocabulary

Front

What is a quadratic function?

Back

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

Front

What does the vertex of a parabola represent?

Back

The vertex of a parabola represents the maximum or minimum point of the quadratic function, depending on the direction the parabola opens.

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, passing through the vertex.

Front

What are the x-intercepts of a quadratic function?

Back

The x-intercepts are the points where the graph of the quadratic function intersects the x-axis, also known as the roots or solutions of the equation.

Front

What does it mean for a parabola to open upwards?

Back

A parabola opens upwards when the coefficient 'a' in the quadratic function f(x) = ax² + bx + c is positive, indicating that the vertex is a minimum point.

Front

What does it mean for a parabola to open downwards?

Back

A parabola opens downwards when the coefficient 'a' in the quadratic function f(x) = ax² + bx + c is negative, indicating that the vertex is a maximum point.

Front

What is the minimum value of a quadratic function?

Back

The minimum value of a quadratic function is the y-coordinate of the vertex when the parabola opens upwards.

Front

What is the maximum value of a quadratic function?

Back

The maximum value of a quadratic function is the y-coordinate of the vertex when the parabola opens downwards.

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 factored form of a quadratic function?

Back

The factored form of a quadratic function is f(x) = a(x - r1)(x - r2), where r1 and r2 are the roots of the function.