Quadratic Vocabulary

Front

All possible y-values

Back

Range

Front

Where the parabola (U shape) crosses the x-axis.

Back

X-intercept

Front

If 'a' from y = ax² + bx + c is negative, then the vertex is the highest point on the graph.

Back

Maximum

Front

An equation that can be written in the form y = ax² + bx + c

Back

Quadratic equation

Front

A vertical line that cuts the parabola into 2 symmetrical halves. This always goes through the vertex and ALWAYS begins with 'x=' This is sometimes called the 'line of symmetry'.

Back

Axis of Symmetry

Front

The point where the parabola changes direction.

Back

Vertex

Front

The highest or lowest point of a parabola, depending on the direction it opens.

Back

Vertex

Front

The value of 'a' in the quadratic equation y = ax² + bx + c determines the direction of the parabola's opening.

Back

If 'a' is positive, the parabola opens upwards; if 'a' is negative, it opens downwards.

Front

The set of all possible x-values for a function.

Back

Domain

Front

The shape of the graph of a quadratic function.

Back

Parabola