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Quadratic Formula

Published on 08/16/2010

Activity Overview

Students make connections between the visual ways to find zeros of a parabola and algebraic ways with an emphasis on the quadratic formula.

Key Steps

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    The student will utilize two defined functions to calculate the two solutions to quadratic functions. They will learn how to define the second quadratic (with the subtraction sign) themselves.

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    Students will finally make the connection with the values for the discriminant, and how it is related to the type of solutions found for a quadratic function.

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    A flow chart is presented to stimulate discussion that will tie the entire concept together. Students should discuss with a peer, and be able to make sketches of the four different scenarios.

Version: 1.20130516.105409 rev. 47177 (Production)