Summary: Analysis of Quadratic Functions

Key Equations

• The zeros, or x-intercepts, are the points at which the parabola crosses the x-axis. The y-intercept is the point at which the parabola crosses the y-axis.
• The vertex can be found from an equation representing a quadratic function.
• A quadratic function’s minimum or maximum value is given by the y-value of the vertex.
• The minium or maximum value of a quadratic function can be used to determine the range of the function and to solve many kinds of real-world problems, including problems involving area and revenue.
• Some quadratic equations must be solved by using the quadratic formula.
• The vertex and the intercepts can be identified and interpreted to solve real-world problems.
• Some quadratic functions have complex roots

Glossary

discriminant

the value under the radical in the quadratic formula, [latex]b^2-4ac[/latex], which tells whether the quadratic has real or complex roots

vertex

the point at which a parabola changes direction, corresponding to the minimum or maximum value of the quadratic function

vertex form of a quadratic function

another name for the standard form of a quadratic function

zeros

in a given function, the values of x at which y = 0, also called roots

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