Understanding Quadratic Functions (Mod. 6.1)

Front

What is the vertex of a quadratic function?

Back

The vertex is the point at which the parabola turns.

Front

What happens when the absolute value of 'a' is a fraction or decimal between 0 and 1 in a quadratic function?

Back

The function experiences compression (it becomes wider than the parent graph).

Front

What shape does a quadratic function create when graphed?

Back

A quadratic function creates a parabola.

Front

When is a parabola upside-down?

Back

A parabola is upside-down when 'a' is negative.

Front

What is the domain of a quadratic function?

Back

The domain is always all Real Numbers (from negative to positive infinity).

Front

What is the standard form of a quadratic function?

Back

The standard form is f(x) = ax^2 + bx + c.

Front

What does the 'a' value in a quadratic function determine?

Back

The 'a' value determines the direction and width of the parabola.

Front

What does it mean if 'a' is greater than 1 in a quadratic function?

Back

If 'a' is greater than 1, the parabola is narrower than the parent graph.

Front

What is the axis of symmetry in a quadratic function?

Back

The axis of symmetry is the vertical line that divides the parabola into two mirror-image halves.

Front

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

Back

The vertex can be found using the formula x = -b/(2a).