Term | Definition |
quadratic function | a second degree polynomial function where a, b, and c are real numbers |
axis of symmetry | line through the graph of a parabola that divides the graph into two congruent halves |
vertex | the axis of symmetry will intersect a parabola at this point |
maximum/minimum value | the y-coordinate of the vertex of a quadratic function |
quadratic equations | quadratic functions that are set equal to a value |
roots | solutions of a quadratic equation |
FOIL method | stands for: first, inner, outer, last. Uses the distributive property to multiply binomials. |
pure imaginary numbers | square roots of negative real numbers |
completing the square | manipulating the equation until one side is a perfect square, then solving using the square root property |
quadratic formula | a formula that can solve any quadratic equation. this formula can be derived by solving the standard form of a quadratic equation. |
discriminant | the part of the quadratic formula that is under the square root sign |
quadratic term | the "ax^2" in a quadratic funtion |
linear term | the "bx" in a quadratic function |
constant term | the "c" in a quadratic function |
parabola | the graph of a quadratic function |
zeros | the x-intercepts of a parabola. |
factored form | 0= a(x - p)(x - q) |
imaginary unit i | defined to be "i^2 = -1". |
complex number | when a real number and an imaginary number cannot be combined so the equation is left alone. example: 2+4i |
complex conjugates | two complex numbers of the form of a + bi and a - bi. the product of this is always a real number |