Activity Overview
In this activity, students investigate the standard form of the quadratic function, y = ax2 + bx + c. They investigate the changes on the graph of a quadratic equation that result from changes in A, B, and C. They also locate the vertex of a parabola when
its quadratic equation is expressed in standard form.
Before the Activity
Install the Transformation Graphing application on the students' graphing calculators using one of these two methods:
TI-Connect™, a TI Connectivity Cable, and the Unit-to-Unit Link Cable TI-Navigator™ "send to class" feature See the attached PDF file for detailed instructions for this activity Print pages 59 - 68 from the attached PDF file for your class
During the Activity
Distribute the pages to the class.
Follow the Activity procedures:
Given the vertex form of a quadratic function, determine the coordinates of the vertex
Use the standard form of the quadratic equation
Change the value of C and examine the effect on the graph
Understand that the value of C gives the y-intercept of a parabola
Keeping A constant, observe how the graph changes as value of B changes
Notice the relationship between the x-coordinate and the value of B
Change the value of A and notice what happens to the x-coordinate and the graph of the parabola
Write an expression relating the values of A and B to the x-coordinate of the vertex
Observe that given the vertex, y-intercept and a symmetric point, a parabola can be graphed
After the Activity
Students will complete the Student Worksheet and answer questions.
Review student results:
As a class, discuss questions that appeared to be more challenging
Re-teach concepts as necessary