Vocabulary Chapter 9
By: Anand Singh
Parabola
A parabola is a curve where any point is at an equal distance from a point and a fixed straight line. The equation usually has a squared sign in it indicating a parabola.
Ex: An equation that creates a parabola is y= x^2-4
Quadratic
An equation where the highest exponent of the variable(usually "x") is a square (2). The standard form of a quadratic equation is ax^2+bx+c=0
Ex: 2x^2+5x+20
Vertex
A point where two or more straight lines meet or the minimum or maximum point of a quadratic function.
Ex: The red dot represents the vertex of the parabolas.
axis of symmetry
A line that runs down the center of a parabola and splits the parabola in half.
Ex: The axis of symmetry is x=1 for the example to the right because the parabola runs through x=0-2 and the middle of that is 1.
Maximum Value
The highest point on a parabola when the parabola is an upside down u-shape.
Ex: The maximum value of this graph located to the right is at the coordinates (1,1)
Minimum Value
The Lowest point of a parabola when the parabola is a straight side up in the shape of a "u".
Ex: The minimum value on this graph is located at the coordinates (1,3).
Terms
A term is a letter, a number, or a letter and a number being multiplied together.
Ex: 5a,x,6,17c
First Differences
The first difference is calculated by finding the difference between consecutive terms.
Ex: 1,2,4,7 The first difference is 1,2, and 3.
Second Differences
The second difference is obtained by taking the difference between consecutive first differences.
Ex: 1.2,3,4
The second difference is 1.
Zeros(roots)
When plugged into the quadratic equation the y equals to a value of zero.
Ex: -2 and 2 are the zeros of the function x^2 - 4