key term - Quadratic Functions

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.