Key features review

Front

What is the vertex of a parabola?

Back

The highest or lowest point on the graph.

Front

What is the axis of symmetry in a parabola?

Back

The dividing line for a parabola.

Front

Define x-intercepts.

Back

The points where the graph intersects the x-axis.

Front

What is the y-intercept?

Back

The point where the graph intersects the y-axis.

Front

How do you find the vertex of a parabola given its equation?

Back

Use the formula x = -b/(2a) from the standard form y = ax^2 + bx + c.

Front

What does the term 'parabola' refer to?

Back

A symmetrical curve formed by the intersection of a cone with a plane parallel to its side.

Front

What is the standard form of a quadratic equation?

Back

y = ax^2 + bx + c.

Front

What does the coefficient 'a' in a quadratic equation indicate?

Back

It determines the direction of the parabola (upward if a > 0, downward if a < 0).

Front

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

Back

It determines the nature of the roots: positive for two real roots, zero for one real root, negative for no real roots.

Front

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

Back

By looking at the sign of the coefficient 'a' in the equation y = ax^2 + bx + c.