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Intro to Quadratic Equations definitions

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  • Quadratic Equation
    An algebraic expression where the highest variable exponent is 2, typically written in the form ax² + bx + c = 0.
  • Second Degree Polynomial
    A polynomial with the highest power of the variable being 2, making it equivalent to a quadratic equation.
  • Standard Form
    A way of writing equations with all terms on one side in descending order of exponents: ax² + bx + c = 0.
  • Coefficient
    A numerical factor multiplying a variable in an algebraic term, such as a in ax² or b in bx.
  • Constant
    A term in an equation without a variable, representing a fixed value, such as c in ax² + bx + c.
  • Leading Coefficient
    The numerical factor of the term with the highest exponent in a polynomial, such as a in ax².
  • Factoring
    A method of rewriting a polynomial as a product of simpler expressions, often used to solve quadratic equations.
  • Binomial
    An algebraic expression containing exactly two terms, such as (x + 3) or (x - 2).
  • Descending Order
    Arranging terms in an equation from highest to lowest exponent, as in ax² + bx + c.
  • Solution
    A value for the variable that makes the equation true when substituted back into the original equation.
  • Zero Product Property
    A rule stating that if a product of factors equals zero, at least one of the factors must be zero.
  • a, b, c
    The coefficients and constant in the standard form of a quadratic equation, representing ax², bx, and c.
  • AC Method
    A factoring technique involving multiplying the leading coefficient and constant to find suitable factor pairs.
  • Degree
    The highest exponent of the variable in a polynomial, indicating its order, such as 2 in a quadratic.
  • Linear Equation
    An equation where the highest power of the variable is 1, forming a straight line when graphed.