Intro to Quadratics

Axis of Symmetry

A vertical line that divides a parabola into two congruent halves. The equation for the axis of symmetry is x=-b/2a when the quadratic equation is in standard form.

Maximum Value

The y-coordinate of the vertex of a parabola that opens down.

Minimum Value

The y-coordinate of the vertex of a parabola that opens up.

Parabola

A plane curve that is U-shaped. When a parabola opens up, x² is positive. When it opens down, x² is negative.

Parent Quadratic Function

y=x² or f(x)=x²

Quadratic Function

f(x)=ax²+bx+c, where a≠0. The highest degree of a quadratic function is 2. 

Translation

Moving a figure without rotating or flipping it.

Vertex Form

f(x)=a(x+h)² +k, where (h,k) is the vertex of the parabola.

Vertex of the Parabola

(h,k) when f(x)=a(x+h)² +k

Standard Form

Of a parabola is y=ax²+bx+c