Education Technology

Parabolic Paths

Subject Area
Math: Algebra II: Quadratics
Level
9-12
Activity Time
45 Minutes
Software
TI-Nspire™ CX
TI-Nspire™ CX CAS
TI Calculator
TI-Nspire™ CX series
TI-Nspire™ CX CAS/CX II CAS
TI-Nspire Version
5.0
Resource Types
Lessons
Format
TNS

Parabolic Paths

Activity Overview

Manipulate the equation of a quadratic function so that its graph passes through a particular point.

Objectives

  • Students will be able to identify the effect of changing h and k on the graph of the quadratic function in the vertex form y = a(x - h)2 + k.
  • Students will be able to identify the effect of a and b on the graph of the quadratic function in the standard form y = ax2 + bx + c.

Vocabulary

  • parabolic
  • quadratic
  • parameters
  • vertex form of a quadratic equation
  • standard form of a quadratic equation

About the Lesson

This lesson involves manipulating the equation of a quadratic function so that its graph passes through a particular point. As a result, students will:

  • Use sliders to change the parameters in the quadratic equation and observe the changes to the graph.
  • Use sliders to generate new random problems to repeat the exercise and consolidate the deductions.

Subject Area
Math: Algebra II: Quadratics
Level
9-12
Activity Time
45 Minutes
Software
TI-Nspire™ CX
TI-Nspire™ CX CAS
TI Calculator
TI-Nspire™ CX series
TI-Nspire™ CX CAS/CX II CAS
TI-Nspire Version
5.0
Resource Types
Lessons
Format
TNS
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