Introductory Algebra
Glossary
Chapter Ten
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quadratic equation
A quadratic equation is an equation that can be written in the form ax2 + bx + c = 0, where a, b, and c are real numbers, with a 0.
discriminant
The quantity under the radical in the quadratic formula, b2 - 4ac.
complex number
Any number that can be written in the form a + bi, where a and b are real numbers.
imaginary number
A complex number a + bi with b 0.
real part
The real part of a complex number a + bi is a.
imaginary part
The imaginary part of the complex number a + bi is b.
standard form of a complex number
The standard form of a complex number is a + bi.
conjugate of a complex number
The conjugate of a complex number a + bi is a - bi.
parabola
The graph of a second-degree (quadratic) equation in two variables is called a parabola.
parabola
The graph of a second-degree (quadratic) equation in two variables is called a parabola.
axis (axis of symmetry)
The axis of a parabola is the vertical or horizontal line through the vertex of the parabola.
quadratic function
A function defined by an equation of the form f(x) = ax2 + bx + c, for real numbers a, b, and c, with a 0.
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Introductory Algebra
Created by
James Q. Jacobs
Superstition Mountain Campus Central Arizona College