Honors Algebra I Chapter 9 Vocabulary

axis of symmetry

the vertical line containing the vertex of a parabola

completing the square

to add a constant term to a binomial of the form x^2 + bx so that the resulting trinomial is a perfect square

discriminant

in the quadratic formula, the expression under the radical sign, b^2 - 4ac

double root

the roots of a quadratic function that are the same number

maximum

the highest point on the graph of a curve

minimum

the lowest point on the graph of a curve

parabola

the graph of a quadratic function

Quadratic Formula

the solutions of a quadratic equation in the form ax^2 + bx + c = 0, where a ≠ 0, are given by the formula

quadratic function

an equation of the form y = ax^2 + bx + c = 0, where a ≠ 0

standard form

the form f(x) = ax^2 + bx + c, where a ≠ 0

vertex

the maximum or minimum point of a parabola

vertex form

a quadratic function in the form f(x) = a(h-k)^2 + k