Solving Quadratics

Front

What is a quadratic equation?

Back

A quadratic equation is a polynomial equation of degree 2, typically in the form ax² + bx + c = 0, 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 ax² + bx + c = 0.

Front

What is the Zero-Product Property?

Back

The Zero-Product Property states that if the product of two factors is zero, then at least one of the factors must be zero.

Front

How do you solve a quadratic equation by factoring?

Back

To solve by factoring, rewrite the equation in the form (x - p)(x - q) = 0, then set each factor equal to zero: x - p = 0 or x - q = 0.

Front

What are the roots of a quadratic equation?

Back

The roots of a quadratic equation are the values of x that make the equation equal to zero.

Front

What is the quadratic formula?

Back

The quadratic formula is x = (-b ± √(b² - 4ac)) / (2a), used to find the roots of a quadratic equation.

Front

What does the discriminant tell you?

Back

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

Front

How can you complete the square to solve a quadratic equation?

Back

To complete the square, rearrange the equation to isolate the constant, then add the square of half the coefficient of x to both sides.

Front

What is the vertex of a parabola?

Back

The vertex of a parabola is the highest or lowest point on the graph, found at the coordinates (h, k) in the vertex form y = a(x - h)² + k.

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).