quadratics 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 is the standard form of a quadratic equation?

Back

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

Front

What is the vertex of a parabola?

Back

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

Front

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

Back

A parabola opens upwards if the coefficient 'a' in the quadratic equation y = ax² + bx + c is positive, and it opens downwards if 'a' is negative.

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

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) to find the x-coordinate, and then substituting this value back into the function to find the y-coordinate.

Front

What is the maximum or minimum value of a quadratic function?

Back

The maximum or minimum value of a quadratic function occurs at the vertex. It is a maximum if the parabola opens downwards and a minimum if it opens upwards.

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 D = b² - 4ac, which determines the nature of the roots.

Front

What does it mean if the discriminant is positive?

Back

If the discriminant is positive, the quadratic equation has two distinct real roots.

Front

What does it mean if the discriminant is zero?

Back

If the discriminant is zero, the quadratic equation has exactly one real root (a repeated root).