Characteristics of Quadratics

Front

What is another name for the x-intercepts of a quadratic?

Back

Zeros

Front

What are the x-intercepts of the quadratic equation y = x^2 - 4?

Back

x = 0 and x = 4

Front

What is the axis of symmetry in a quadratic function?

Back

The line that divides the parabola into two mirror images, given by x = -b/(2a) in the standard form y = ax^2 + bx + c.

Front

What is the maximum or minimum point of a quadratic function called?

Back

Vertex

Front

What is the lowest point of a graph called?

Back

Minimum

Front

What is the highest point of a graph called?

Back

Maximum

Front

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

Back

Use the formula x = -b/(2a) to find the x-coordinate, then substitute back to find the y-coordinate.

Front

What does the 'a' value in the quadratic equation y = ax^2 + bx + c determine?

Back

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

Front

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

Back

The discriminant (b^2 - 4ac) determines the nature of the roots: two real and distinct, one real and repeated, or no real roots.

Front

What is the formula for the quadratic equation?

Back

y = ax^2 + bx + c