Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Quadratic functions are functions that can be represented by a quadratic equation, which is a polynomial of degree 2. They have a graph that forms a parabola and can model various real-life situations.
Related terms
Axis of Symmetry: A vertical line that divides the parabolic graph of a quadratic function into two symmetric halves.
Vertex: The point on the graph where the parabola reaches its maximum or minimum value. It represents either the highest or lowest point on the curve.
Maximum/Minimum Value: The highest or lowest point on the graph of a quadratic function, respectively. It corresponds to either the vertex's y-coordinate or an extreme value in real-life applications.