What is a Quadratic Function? | Printable Summary

a, b, and c are all real numbers
A quadratic function must have a degree of 2
The graph of a quadratic function is a U shape, called a parabola
Quadratic functions do not always have to have x terms or constants, but they must have an x² term
Functions with degrees higher than 2 are not quadratic functions

1. a, b, and c are all real numbers
2. The degree of the polynomial must be 2 in order for it to be a quadratic function
3. So a quadratic function must have a term with a variable squared, and can't have any degrees higher than 2
1. The graph of a quadratic function is a U shape, called a parabola
2. Parabolas can be right side up or upside down, depending on the sign of the x² term
1. Quadratic functions do not always have to have x terms or constants, but they must have an x² term
2. The degree of a quadratic function must be exactly 2