A.7A Key Features of Quadratics

Front

What do you call the graph of quadratic functions?

Back

parabola

Front

What is the x-intercept of a quadratic function?

Back

The x-intercept(s) are the points where the graph crosses the x-axis.

Front

Identify the y-intercept of a quadratic function.

Back

The y-intercept is the point where the graph crosses the y-axis.

Front

What is the vertex of a parabola?

Back

The vertex is the highest or lowest point of the parabola, depending on its orientation.

Front

What does it mean if a quadratic function has one zero?

Back

It means the graph touches the x-axis at exactly one point, indicating a repeated root.

Front

What is the difference between maximum and minimum values in quadratics?

Back

Maximum value is the highest point of the graph (opens downwards), while minimum value is the lowest point (opens upwards).

Front

How do you find the axis of symmetry in a quadratic function?

Back

The axis of symmetry can be found using the formula x = -b/(2a) from the standard form y = ax^2 + bx + c.

Front

What is the standard form of a quadratic function?

Back

The standard form is y = ax^2 + bx + c, where a, b, and c are constants.

Front

What does the 'a' value in a quadratic function indicate?

Back

The 'a' value determines the direction of the parabola (upward if a > 0, downward if a < 0) and its width.

Front

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

Back

The discriminant (b^2 - 4ac) determines the number of real roots: positive (two roots), zero (one root), negative (no real roots).