Activity Overview
This Computer Algebra System (CAS) activity encourages students to investigate the characteristics of a quadratic graph. Students analyze the effects of the coefficients on the graph.
Before the Activity
See the attached PDF file for detailed instructions for this activity
Print the attached PDF file for your class
During the Activity
Distribute the page to the class.
Follow the Activity procedures:
Understand that a polynomial of degree 2 is called a Quadratic, and analyze its general form
Determine the number of solutions to the equation
Graph quadratic functions for different values of constant coefficients
Determine for what values of the coefficients does the quadratic have 1 solution, 2 real solutions, and no real solutions
Analyze the shape of the quadratic to arrive at an answer
After the Activity
Students answer questions on the Activity sheet.
Review student results:
As a class, discuss questions that appeared to be more challenging
Re-teach concepts as necessary