Quadratic Functions Vocabulary

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 does the vertex of a quadratic function represent?

Back

The vertex is the highest or lowest point of the parabola, depending on whether it opens upwards (minimum) or downwards (maximum).

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 zeros of a quadratic function?

Back

The zeros (or roots) are the x-values where the function f(x) = 0, representing the points where the graph intersects the x-axis.

Tags

CCSS.HSA-SSE.B.3B

CCSS.HSF-IF.C.8A

Front

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

Back

The vertex can be found using the formula (-b/2a, f(-b/2a)) from the standard form f(x) = ax² + bx + c.

Front

What is the significance of the coefficient 'a' in a quadratic function?

Back

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

Tags

CCSS.HSF-IF.C.7A

Front

What is the quadratic formula?

Back

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

Tags

CCSS.HSA-REI.B.4B

Front

What does the discriminant of a quadratic equation indicate?

Back

The discriminant (b² - 4ac) indicates the nature of the roots: if > 0, two distinct real roots; if = 0, one real root; if < 0, no real roots.

Tags

CCSS.HSA-REI.B.4B

Front

What is a parabola?

Back

A parabola is the graph of a quadratic function, characterized by its U-shape and symmetry about the axis of symmetry.

Tags

CCSS.HSF-IF.C.7A

Front

What is the y-intercept of a quadratic function?

Back

The y-intercept is the point where the graph intersects the y-axis, found by evaluating f(0).

Tags

CCSS.HSF-IF.C.7A