Quadratic Functions

Front

What is a quadratic function?

Back

A quadratic function is a polynomial function of degree 2, typically in the form y = ax² + bx + c, where a, b, and c are constants and a ≠ 0.

Front

What is the standard form of a quadratic function?

Back

The standard form of a quadratic function is y = ax² + bx + c.

Front

What does the graph of a quadratic function look like?

Back

The graph of a quadratic function is a parabola, which can open upwards or downwards depending on the sign of 'a'.

Front

What is the vertex of a parabola?

Back

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

Front

How do you find the axis of symmetry of a quadratic function?

Back

The axis of symmetry can be found using the formula x = -b/(2a), where a and b are coefficients from the quadratic equation.

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

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

Back

The x-intercepts can be found by solving the equation ax² + bx + c = 0 for x.

Front

What is the discriminant in a quadratic equation?

Back

The discriminant is the part of the quadratic formula under the square root, given by b² - 4ac, which determines the nature of the roots.

Front

What does a positive discriminant indicate?

Back

A positive discriminant indicates that the quadratic equation has two distinct real roots.

Front

What does a zero discriminant indicate?

Back

A zero discriminant indicates that the quadratic equation has exactly one real root (a repeated root).