Unit 3 Vocabulary (Quadratics)

Question 1

Parabola

Answer 1

A symmetrical, mostly U-shape curve. This is the shape a quadratic makes when graphed.

Question 2

Standard form of a quadratic function

Answer 2

f(x) = ax^2+bx+c

Question 3

Vertex form of a quadratic function

Answer 3

f(x) = a(x-h) ^2+k
Where (h,k) is the vertex

Question 4

Axis of symmetry

Answer 4

The vertical line going through the vertex of a parabola about which it is symmetric

Question 5

Vertex of a parabola

Answer 5

The point of intersection of the Parabola and the axis of symmetry. This is the “turning point” of the parabola.

Question 6

Parent quadratic function

Answer 6

The simplest function in a function family. For quadratics, it is y=x^2 (all other quadratics are transformations of the parent).

Question 7

Minimum of a quadratic

Answer 7

If the parabola opens upward, this is the lowest point.
(y-value of the vertex)

Question 8

Maximum of a quadratic

Answer 8

If the parabola opens downward, this is the highest point.
(y-value of the vertex)

Question 9

Domain

Answer 9

The set of possible inputs (x) for a function (what can x be?)

Question 10

Range

Answer 10

The set of possible outputs (y) for a function (what can y be?)

Question 11

Interval of increase

Answer 11

A function is increasing if, as you follow the graph from left to right, the y-values are going up. We write what the x-values are in interval notation as this is happening.

Question 12

Interval of decrease

Answer 12

A function decreases if, as you follow the graph from left to right, the y-values go down. We write what the x-values are in interval notation as this is happening.

Question 13

End behavior

Answer 13

The behavior of a graph at the “ends” of the x-axis (so as x approaches ∞ and -∞ where are the y-values headed)