Algebra Ch 9 Vocab

Vertex

the highest or lowest point of a parabola

Axis of Symmetry

the line that divides the parabola into two matching halves (x=-b/2a)

Completing the Square

the process of changing x^2+bx into a perfect square trinomial by adding (b/2)^2

Maximum

when the vertex is the highest point

Minimum

when the vertex is the lowest point

Zero - Product Property

when you multiply two terms and the result is zero, then one or both must equal zero

Quadratic Formula

x = -b +- sqrt(b^2 - 4ac) / 2a

Root/Zero of a Function

x-intercept of the graph

Standard Form of a Quadratic Function

y = ax^2 + bx + c

Quadratic Parent Function

y = x^2

Parabola

U-shaped graph

Discriminant

b^2 - 4ac