Quadratic Functions Vocabulary

Front

What is a quadratic function?

Back

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

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 is the vertex of a quadratic function?

Back

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

Front

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

Back

The 'a' value determines the direction of the parabola: if 'a' 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 are the roots of a quadratic function?

Back

The roots (or solutions) are the values of x where the quadratic function intersects the x-axis, i.e., where y = 0.

Front

What is the difference between the vertex form and standard form of a quadratic function?

Back

The vertex form is y = a(x - h)² + k, where (h, k) is the vertex, while the standard form is y = ax² + bx + c.

Front

What is a parabola?

Back

A parabola is the graph of a quadratic function, characterized by its U-shape.

Front

What is the significance of the 'c' value in a quadratic function?

Back

The 'c' value represents the y-intercept of the quadratic function, which is the point where the graph crosses the y-axis.

Front

How can you determine if a quadratic function has a maximum or minimum value?

Back

You can determine this by looking at the 'a' value: if 'a' is positive, the function has a minimum value; if 'a' is negative, it has a maximum value.