Elementary Algebra

# Key Terms

Elementary AlgebraKey Terms

### Key Terms

axis of symmetry
The axis of symmetry is the vertical line passing through the middle of the parabola $y=ax2+bx+c.y=ax2+bx+c.$
completing the square
Completing the square is a method used to solve quadratic equations.
consecutive even integers
Consecutive even integers are even integers that follow right after one another. If an even integer is represented by $nn$, the next consecutive even integer is $n+2n+2$, and the next after that is $n+4n+4$.
consecutive odd integers
Consecutive odd integers are odd integers that follow right after one another. If an odd integer is represented by $nn$, the next consecutive odd integer is $n+2n+2$, and the next after that is $n+4n+4$.
discriminant
In the Quadratic Formula, $x=−b±b2−4ac2ax=−b±b2−4ac2a$ the quantity $b2−4acb2−4ac$ is called the discriminant.
parabola
The graph of a quadratic equation in two variables is a parabola.
A quadratic equation is an equation of the form $ax2+bx+c=0ax2+bx+c=0$, where $a≠0.a≠0.$
A quadratic equation in two variables, where $a,b,andca,b,andc$ are real numbers and $a≠0a≠0$ is an equation of the form $y=ax2+bx+c.y=ax2+bx+c.$
Square Root Property
The Square Root Property states that, if $x2=kx2=k$ and $k≥0k≥0$, then $x=korx=−k.x=korx=−k.$
vertex
The point on the parabola that is on the axis of symmetry is called the vertex of the parabola; it is the lowest or highest point on the parabola, depending on whether the parabola opens upwards or downwards.
x-intercepts of a parabola
The x-intercepts are the points on the parabola where $y=0.y=0.$
y-intercept of a parabola
The y-intercept is the point on the parabola where $x=0.x=0.$
Order a print copy

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.