Solving Quadratics Review

Front

What is a quadratic equation?

Back

A quadratic equation is a polynomial equation of the form ax² + bx + c = 0, where a, b, and c are constants and a ≠ 0.

Front

What is the standard form of a quadratic equation?

Back

The standard form of a quadratic equation is ax² + bx + c = 0.

Front

What does the discriminant of a quadratic equation tell us?

Back

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

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.

Front

How do you factor a quadratic equation?

Back

To factor a quadratic equation, you need to express it in the form (px + q)(rx + s) = 0, where p, q, r, and s are constants.

Front

What is the vertex of a parabola?

Back

The vertex of a parabola is the highest or lowest point on the graph, depending on whether it opens upwards or downwards.

Front

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

Back

The vertex (h, k) of a quadratic function in standard form y = ax² + bx + c can be found using h = -b/(2a) and k = f(h).

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, given by the equation x = -b/(2a).

Front

What are the x-intercepts of a quadratic function?

Back

The x-intercepts are the points where the graph of the quadratic function crosses the x-axis, found by solving the equation ax² + bx + c = 0.

Front

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

Back

The leading coefficient (a) determines the direction of the parabola: if a > 0, it opens upwards; if a < 0, it opens downwards.