1. A polynomial function of the second degree has what form?

Polynomial functions of the second degree, also known as quadratic functions, take the form \( f(x) = ax^2 + bx + c \), where \( a \), \( b \), and \( c \) are constants, and \( a \) is not equal to zero. The graph of a quadratic function is a parabola that opens upwards if \( a > 0 \) and downwards if \( a < 0 \). Quadratic functions are not just theoretical; they model a variety of real-world situations! For example, they can describe the trajectory of a ball thrown into the air, the area of a rectangle as its dimensions change, or even the profit calculations of a business. Understanding these functions helps predict outcomes in many fields, from physics to finance!