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2.3b   Vocabulary for the Problem Solving with Quadratics

Leading coefficient

In a polynomial, the coefficient of the term with the highest degree.

Discriminant

In a quadratic equation , where , the discriminant is the number given by .  It indicates the number of real solutions as follows:

Maximum function value

The largest value for the output of a function

Minimum function value

The smallest value for the output of a function

Parabola

The curve that is the graph of a quadratic function

Quadratic formula.

A formula that gives a solution to ANY quadratic equation. The solution to ANY quadratic equation in the form

is

Tangent

A line or curve touching but not intersecting another line or curve.   The word comes form the Latin word meaning “to touch.”

Vertex of a parabola

The highest or lowest point of a parabola.

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