Introductory Algebra Glossary

Chapter Ten

quadratic equation

A quadratic equation is anequation 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 thevertical 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.

Return to Introductory Algebra

Created by

James Q. Jacobs

Superstition Mountain Campus

Central Arizona College

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