LHHS - Key Features of Quadratic Graphs

Front

What is a parabola?

Back

The graph of a quadratic function, characterized by its U-shape.

Front

What is the vertex of a parabola?

Back

The highest or lowest point of the parabola, depending on its orientation.

Front

What does it mean if a parabola opens upwards?

Back

The vertex is a minimum point, and the y-values increase as you move away from the vertex.

Front

What does it mean if a parabola opens downwards?

Back

The vertex is a maximum point, and the y-values decrease as you move away from the vertex.

Front

How do you find the axis of symmetry of a parabola?

Back

Use the formula x = -b/(2a) from the quadratic equation ax^2 + bx + c.

Front

What is the standard form of a quadratic equation?

Back

y = ax^2 + bx + c, where a, b, and c are constants.

Front

What is the quadratic formula?

Back

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

Front

What does the discriminant tell you about a quadratic equation?

Back

The value of b² - 4ac indicates the nature of the roots: 0 (one real root), >0 (two real roots), <0 (no real roots).

Front

What is the maximum value of a quadratic function?

Back

The y-coordinate of the vertex when the parabola opens downwards.

Front

What is the minimum value of a quadratic function?

Back

The y-coordinate of the vertex when the parabola opens upwards.