Week 2 Quadratics Review

Front

What is the vertex of a quadratic function?

Back

The vertex is the highest or lowest point of the parabola, represented as (h, k) in the vertex form y = a(x - h)² + k.

Front

How do you find the x-intercepts of a quadratic equation?

Back

To find the x-intercepts, set y = 0 and solve the equation for x. This can often be done by factoring.

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 the function at x = 0.

Front

What does the x-value of the vertex represent in a quadratic function?

Back

The x-value of the vertex represents the point at which the function reaches its maximum or minimum value.

Front

What is the standard form of a quadratic equation?

Back

The standard form is y = ax² + bx + c, where a, b, and c are constants.

Front

How can you determine if a quadratic opens upwards or downwards?

Back

If the coefficient 'a' in the standard form y = ax² + bx + c is positive, the parabola opens upwards. If 'a' is negative, it opens downwards.

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 formula x = -b/(2a).

Front

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

Back

The discriminant (b² - 4ac) determines the nature of the roots: if positive, there are two real roots; if zero, one real root; if negative, no real roots.

Front

How do you find the maximum height of a projectile modeled by a quadratic function?

Back

The maximum height occurs at the vertex of the parabola, specifically at the y-value of the vertex.

Front

What is factoring in the context of solving quadratic equations?

Back

Factoring involves rewriting the quadratic equation as a product of two binomials, allowing for easier solutions for x.