Math Vocabulary
Mateo Pérez
Parabola
A parabola is a curve where any point is at an equal distance from the focus and the directrix.
Quadratic Equation
An equation where the highest exponent of the variable (usually "x") is a square (2).
It is usually written ax2+bx+c = 0
It is usually written ax2+bx+c = 0
Example: 2x2+5x-3 = 0
Vertex
A point where two or more straight lines meet. A corner.
Axis of Symetry
A line through a shape so that each side is a mirror image.
If the shape were to be folded in half along the axis of symmetry, then the two halves would be the same, they would match up.
If the shape were to be folded in half along the axis of symmetry, then the two halves would be the same, they would match up.
Maximum Value
The maximum value of a quadratic function f(x) = ax2 + bx + c where a< 0,="" is="" the="">y- coordinate of the vertex.
- The quadratic function f(x) = 9 - x2 has the maximum value of 9.
Minimum Value
The minimum value of a quadratic function f(x) = ax2 + bx + c where a > 0, is the y- coordinate of the vertex.
- The quadratic function f(x) = 16 + x2 has the minimum value of 16.
Terms
In Algebra a term is either:
• a single number, or
• a variable, or
• numbers and variables multiplied together.
• a single number, or
• a variable, or
• numbers and variables multiplied together.
First Differences
Difference means the answer to a subtraction equation. Therefore, the first difference may be the first answer to a dropping-down list (look at picture).
Second Deferences
The second difference is achieved once the first difference is discovered. It is another step further to a list. Normally, this difference is always the same.
Hopefully these two are somewhat accurate, I could not find the definitions anywhere...
Zeros (roots)
Where a function equals the value zero (0).
Example: -2 and 2 are the zeros of the function x2 - 4
Also called "root".
Example: -2 and 2 are the zeros of the function x2 - 4
Also called "root".