College Math Placement Practice Test 2025 - Free College Math Questions and Study Guide

Question: 1 / 400

If a function is quadratic, what is the highest power of x in its standard form?

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In a quadratic function, the highest power of the variable \(x\) is 2. The standard form of a quadratic function is typically expressed as \(f(x) = ax^2 + bx + c\), where \(a\), \(b\), and \(c\) are constants and \(a \neq 0\). The term \(ax^2\) signifies that the highest degree of \(x\) in this polynomial is 2, which characterizes the function as parabolic. This parabolic shape results in either a minimum or maximum point, depending on the sign of the coefficient \(a\).

Understanding this is fundamental when analyzing the behavior of quadratic functions, as it helps identify properties such as vertex, axis of symmetry, and the nature of the roots. The other answer choices represent degrees of polynomial functions that do not align with the definition of a quadratic, making them unsuitable.

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