The Constant Term in a Quadratic Function

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 8 views

Understanding Quadratic Functions

A quadratic function is a polynomial function of degree two, which means the highest power of the variable (in this case, x) is two. The general form of a quadratic function is f(x) = ax^2 + bx + c, where a, b, and c are constants. In the given function f(x) = 8x^2 - 7x + 6, we can identify the coefficients as follows: a = 8, b = -7, and c = 6.

The Constant Term in a Quadratic Function

The constant term in a quadratic function is the term that does not contain the variable (x). In the given function f(x) = 8x^2 - 7x + 6, the constant term is the term that is not multiplied by x. In this case, the constant term is 6.

Why is the Constant Term Important?

The constant term is an important part of a quadratic function because it affects the behavior of the function. The constant term determines the vertical shift of the function, which means it determines the value of the function when x is equal to zero. In other words, the constant term is the value that the function will always return when x is zero.

How to Identify the Constant Term

To identify the constant term in a quadratic function, you need to look for the term that does not contain the variable (x). In the given function f(x) = 8x^2 - 7x + 6, the constant term is 6 because it is the term that is not multiplied by x.

Example

Let's consider another example to illustrate how to identify the constant term in a quadratic function. Suppose we have the function f(x) = 3x^2 + 2x - 4. To identify the constant term, we need to look for the term that does not contain the variable (x). In this case, the constant term is -4 because it is the term that is not multiplied by x.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the constant term in a quadratic function is the term that does not contain the variable (x). It is an important part of the function because it affects the behavior of the function. To identify the constant term, you need to look for the term that does not contain the variable (x). In the given function f(x) = 8x^2 - 7x + 6, the constant term is 6.

Answer

The constant term of the function f(x) = 8x^2 - 7x + 6 is 6.

Final Answer

The final answer is B. 6.

Understanding Quadratic Functions

Q&A: Identifying the Constant Term

Q: What is the constant term in a quadratic function?

A: The constant term in a quadratic function is the term that does not contain the variable (x). It is the value that the function will always return when x is zero.

Q: How do I identify the constant term in a quadratic function?

A: To identify the constant term in a quadratic function, you need to look for the term that does not contain the variable (x). In the given function f(x) = 8x^2 - 7x + 6, the constant term is 6 because it is the term that is not multiplied by x.

Q: What is the importance of the constant term in a quadratic function?

A: The constant term is an important part of a quadratic function because it affects the behavior of the function. The constant term determines the vertical shift of the function, which means it determines the value of the function when x is equal to zero.

Q: Can you give an example of identifying the constant term in a quadratic function?

A: Let's consider the function f(x) = 3x^2 + 2x - 4. To identify the constant term, we need to look for the term that does not contain the variable (x). In this case, the constant term is -4 because it is the term that is not multiplied by x.

Q: What is the final answer to the problem of identifying the constant term in the function f(x) = 8x^2 - 7x + 6?

A: The final answer is B. 6.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake 1: Assuming that the constant term is the coefficient of the x^2 term. This is incorrect because the constant term is the term that does not contain the variable (x).
Mistake 2: Not looking for the term that does not contain the variable (x). This can lead to incorrect identification of the constant term.
Mistake 3: Not considering the vertical shift of the function. This can lead to incorrect understanding of the behavior of the function.

Conclusion

In conclusion, identifying the constant term in a quadratic function is an important step in understanding the behavior of the function. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can correctly identify the constant term in a quadratic function.

Final Answer

The final answer is B. 6.

Additional Resources

Quadratic Function Formula: f(x) = ax^2 + bx + c
Constant Term Definition: The term that does not contain the variable (x)
Vertical Shift: The value of the function when x is equal to zero

Practice Problems

Identify the constant term in the function f(x) = 2x^2 - 3x + 1.
Identify the constant term in the function f(x) = 4x^2 + 2x - 5.
Identify the constant term in the function f(x) = x^2 - 2x + 3.

Answer Key

The constant term in the function f(x) = 2x^2 - 3x + 1 is 1.
The constant term in the function f(x) = 4x^2 + 2x - 5 is -5.
The constant term in the function f(x) = x^2 - 2x + 3 is 3.