Quadratic Function:A quadratic function is one of the form f(x) = ax^2 + bx + c, where a, b, and c are numbers with a not equal to zero. The graph of a quadratic function is a curve called a parabola. Parabolas may open upward or downward and vary in "width" or "steepness", but they all have the same basic "U" shape.
Polynomial: An expression that can have constants, variables and exponents, that can be combined using addition, subtraction, multiplication and division, but: • no division by a variable. • a variable's exponents can only be 0,1,2,3,... etc. • it can't have an infinite number of terms.
Factoring: A way to break a quadratic function into two binomials. It makes where one can find the zereos/x-intercepts of a quadratic functions.
Zeroes: The x-intercepts of a quadratic function.
Parabola: The shape a quadratic function makes. Either an upright or upside down U.
Vertex: The apex of the parabola. Denotes either the maximum or minimum point on the graph of a quadratic function. To find the x-value of the vertex: x = b/2a; to find the y-value use the x-value in the quadratic function.
Axis of Symmetry: The graph of a quadratic function is a parabola. The axis of symmetry of a parabola is a vertical line that divides the parabola into two congruent halves. The axis of symmetryalways passes through the vertex of the parabola . The x -coordinate of the vertex is the equation of the axis of symmetry of the parabola.
Maximum: The largest value, corresponding with the vertex, of a quadratic function. The negative on the x^2 describes a parabola that opens down (upside down U). Example: f(x) = -x^2 + 3x - 2
Minimum: The smallest value, corresponding with the vertex, of a quadratic function. The positive on the x^2 describes a parabola that opens up (upright U). Example: f(x) = x^2 + 2x + 3