Unit 4 Quadratics Cumulative Review

Front

What is a quadratic function?

Back

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

Front

What does the vertex of a parabola represent?

Back

The vertex of a parabola is the highest or lowest point on the graph, depending on whether it opens upwards or downwards. It represents the maximum or minimum value of the quadratic function.

Front

How do you find the y-intercept of a quadratic function?

Back

To find the y-intercept of a quadratic function, set x = 0 in the function and solve for y.

Front

What is the formula to find the maximum height of a projectile?

Back

The maximum height of a projectile can be found using the formula t = -b/(2a) to find the time at which it reaches maximum height, then substituting that time back into the height function.

Front

What is the significance of the coefficient 'a' in a quadratic function?

Back

The coefficient 'a' determines the direction of the parabola (upward if a > 0, downward if a < 0) and affects the width of the parabola.

Front

How do you determine the time it takes for an object to hit the ground using a quadratic function?

Back

Set the height function equal to zero and solve for t to find the time when the object reaches the ground.

Front

What is the axis of symmetry in a parabola?

Back

The axis of symmetry is a vertical line that divides the parabola into two mirror-image halves. It can be found using the formula x = -b/(2a).

Front

How can you find the roots of a quadratic equation?

Back

The roots of a quadratic equation can be found using the quadratic formula: x = (-b ± √(b² - 4ac)) / (2a).

Front

What does the discriminant of a quadratic equation tell you?

Back

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

Front

What is the standard form of a quadratic function?

Back

The standard form of a quadratic function is f(x) = a(x - h)² + k, where (h, k) is the vertex of the parabola.