Vocab
Quadratic Function - A function f (x), given by a polynomial of degree 2. The graph of a quadratic function is a parabola whose axis of symmetry is parallel to the y-axis.
Parabola - The symmetrical curve of the graph of a quadratic function.
Vertex of a Parabola - The lowest point of the graph,if the graph opens upward, or the highest point of the graph,if the graph opens downward. Also the point where the parabola crosses its axis of symmetry.
Minimum Value - The y coordinate of the vertex if the parabola opens up.
Maximum Value - The y coordinate of the vertex if the parabola opens down.
Y-Intercept - What y equals when x is equal to zero.
X - Intercept - What x equals when y is equal to zero.
Axis of Symmetry - The line that divides the graph into two congruent parts so that the graph on one side is the mirror image of the graph on the other side. The x-coordinate of the vertex is the same as the axis of symmetry ( x=p).
Quadratic equation - An equation in which the highest power of an unknown quantity is a square.
Discriminant - The expression under the square root sign of the quadratic formula. (b^2 - 4ac).
Domain - The domain of a function is the set of all possible input values (often the "x"variable), which produce a valid output from a particular function. It is the set of all real numbers for which a function is mathematically defined.
Range - The range is the set of all possible output values (usually the variable y, or sometimes expressed as f(x)), which result from using a particular function.
Parabola - The symmetrical curve of the graph of a quadratic function.
Vertex of a Parabola - The lowest point of the graph,if the graph opens upward, or the highest point of the graph,if the graph opens downward. Also the point where the parabola crosses its axis of symmetry.
Minimum Value - The y coordinate of the vertex if the parabola opens up.
Maximum Value - The y coordinate of the vertex if the parabola opens down.
Y-Intercept - What y equals when x is equal to zero.
X - Intercept - What x equals when y is equal to zero.
Axis of Symmetry - The line that divides the graph into two congruent parts so that the graph on one side is the mirror image of the graph on the other side. The x-coordinate of the vertex is the same as the axis of symmetry ( x=p).
Quadratic equation - An equation in which the highest power of an unknown quantity is a square.
Discriminant - The expression under the square root sign of the quadratic formula. (b^2 - 4ac).
Domain - The domain of a function is the set of all possible input values (often the "x"variable), which produce a valid output from a particular function. It is the set of all real numbers for which a function is mathematically defined.
Range - The range is the set of all possible output values (usually the variable y, or sometimes expressed as f(x)), which result from using a particular function.