Intro to Quadratics

Front

What is a quadratic function?

Back

A quadratic function is a polynomial function of degree 2, typically in the form y = ax² + bx + c, where a, b, and c are constants.

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 find the axis of symmetry for a quadratic function?

Back

The axis of symmetry can be found using the formula x = -b/(2a) from the standard form y = ax² + bx + c.

Front

What does it mean if a parabola opens upwards?

Back

If a parabola opens upwards, it has a minimum point at its vertex.

Front

What does it mean if a parabola opens downwards?

Back

If a parabola opens downwards, it has a maximum point at its vertex.

Front

What is the formula to find the vertex of a quadratic function?

Back

The vertex can be found using the formula (h, k) where h = -b/(2a) and k = f(h).

Front

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

Back

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

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

Front

What does a positive discriminant indicate?

Back

A positive discriminant indicates that the quadratic equation has two distinct real roots.