Quadratics #1: Understanding Quadratic Functions

What term must a quadratic function contain?

• x squared

• x

• y

• y squared

What shape does the graph of a quadratic function form?

• Circle

• Straight line

• Parabola

• Triangle

What is the vertex of a parabola?

• The intersection point

• The middle point

• The highest or lowest point

• The focal point

What does the axis of symmetry in a parabola represent?

• An arc through the vertex

• A vertical line through the vertex

• A diagonal line through the vertex

• A horizontal line dividing the graph

What is the significance of the vertex in the graph of a quadratic function?

• It determines the slope

• It indicates the x-intercept

• It is where the graph crosses the y-axis

• It is the highest or lowest point of the graph

How do you determine the axis of symmetry from the vertex?

• Use the x-value of the vertex

• Subtract the x and y values of the vertex

• Multiply the x and y values of the vertex

• Use the y-value of the vertex

What does the axis of symmetry tell us about a parabola?

• The end points of the parabola

• The exact middle of the parabola

• The width of the parabola

• The maximum height

What is the first step in graphing a quadratic equation?

• Plotting the y-intercept

• Drawing the axis of symmetry

• Identifying the vertex

• Creating an x and y table

Why is it important to use parentheses when squaring negative numbers?

• To avoid using the square root

• To make the equation look cleaner

• To ensure correct order of operations

• To simplify the expression

What is the correct way to square -2 in a calculator to avoid errors?

• Type (-2)^2

• Type 2^2 and then add a minus

• Type -2 * -2

• Just type -2^2