National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
The Math Forum: Ask Dr. Math: Equation for an Arch
A student with a summertime carpenter job asks Dr. Math how to draw an arch. Dr. Math responds by showing how the equation of the parabola can be generated by having three distinct points of the parabola known.
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Algebra: Quadratic Functions and Their Graphs
[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] Graph and compare graphs of quadratic functions in the coordinate plane.
Alabama Learning Exchange
Alex: Conic Sections: Playing With Parabolas
Through a mixture of online exploration, and teacher instruction, students will discover how parabolas are formed and will be able to use the key components from a graph (vertex, focus and directrix,) to generate the equation of a graph.
Math Planet
Math Planet: The Graph of Y = Ax^2 + Bx + C
A nonlinear function that can be written on the standard form ax^2 + bx + c,where a is not = 0, is called a quadratic function. All quadratic functions hava a U-shaped graph called a parabola.
Other
Algebra Class: Solving and Graphing a Quadratic Equation
Math teacher provides a unit on quadratic equations in which she explains the concepts of solving and graphing quadratic equations through numerous examples and graphs. Hyperlinks are available to each step that ultimately leads to...
Texas Education Agency
Texas Gateway: Analyzing Graphs of Quadratic Functions
Given the graph of a situation represented by a quadratic function, the student will analyze the graph and draw conclusions.
Illustrative Mathematics
Illustrative Mathematics: G Gpe Defining Parabolas Geometrically
The purpose of this task is to show that the points on a parabola can be characterized by being equidistant from a point (the focus) and a line (the directrix). Aligns with HSG-GPE.A.2.
Texas Instruments
Texas Instruments: Let's Play Ball With Families of Graphs
This activity is designed for students to use real-time data to generate a family of parabolic graphs. The data set will be generated by graphing the heights of a ball bounce with respect to time. Students will determine the regression...
Texas Instruments
Texas Instruments: Conic Equations
This Learn Check file is a review of writing conic sections given the graph of a conic section. Students are asked to use the graphs to write the equations for a ellipse, circle, parabola, and hyperbola.
National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
The Math Forum: Quadratic Formulas, Equations, Parabolas
Dr. Math here at the Math Forum, in a reply to a student question, helps find the vertex and coordinates of the parabola. The information is somewhat brief, but factual, and worth checking out.
National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
The Math Forum: Exploring Parabolas
A lesson plan using the computers to help students understand the various forms of equations of parabola. The site requires students to use the computer and offers a possible assessment of the lesson.
University of St. Andrews (UK)
University of St. Andrews: Parabola
This is a brief lesson on the parabola. The lesson also has links to related topics.
Illustrative Mathematics
Illustrative Mathematics: F if Parabolas and Inverse Functions
This task assumes an understanding of the relationship between functions and equations. Students try to solve equations in order to find the inverse of a function given in equation form: when no such solution is possible, then the...
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Analysis: Planes in Space
[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] The equation of a plane on an x, y, z coordinate graph
Other
Georgia Perimeter College: Parabolas
This resource provides an examination of parabolas, both vertical and horizontal, and parabolic functions. It includes six examples and a chart showing how changes in the equation coincide with changes in the graph.
Texas Instruments
Texas Instruments: Numb3 Rs: Fresh Air and Parabolas
Based off of the hit television show NUMB3RS, this lesson examines a plane crash, and gets students to try to find the location of various pieces of wreckage. This is done using parametric equations which form a parabolic trajectory....
National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
The Math Forum: Parabolas
A brief overview on calculating various measures of segments, like focus to vertex and vertex to directix, is given. Additionally, equations of parabolas in general, standard, and vertex forms are listed.
Texas Education Agency
Texas Gateway: Analyzing the Effects of Changes in "A" on the Graph Y=ax^2 + C
Given verbal, graphical, or symbolic descriptions of the graph of y = ax^2 + c, the student will investigate, describe, and predict the effects on the graph when "a" is changed.
Texas Instruments
Texas Instruments: Bouncing Ball
In this experiment, students collect the height versus time data of a bouncing ball using the CBR 2. This activity investigates the values of height, time, and the coefficient A in the quadratic equation, which describes the behavior of...
Concord Consortium
Concord Consortium: Quadratic Functions in Vertex Form
Given the equation of a quadratic function in vertex form, students learn to identify the vertex of a parabola from the equation, and then graph the parabola.
Texas Instruments
Texas Instruments: Numb3 Rs: Thinking Backward
Based off of the hit television show NUMB3RS, this lesson gets students to work backward, or to find the inverse, of given problems. Two type of problems are presented: one is the graph of a parabola, and the other involves bank shots on...
Other
Dans Math: Lessons: Intermediate Algebra
College professor Dan Bach presents a review of algebra concepts, including factoring, quadratic equations, and graphing parabolas. The examples are detailed, but easy to follow. This is a good site for reviewing before tests and quizzes.
Discovery Education
Discovery Education: Web Math: Plots and Geometry
This site provides descriptions and helpful hints regarding conic sections - circles, parabolas, ellipses, and hyperbolas. Content also includes interactive problem solvers complete with a full analysis of the math behind the answer.
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Algebra: Quadratic Functions and Their Graphs
[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] This lesson covers how to find the x-intercepts, vertex, axis of symmetry, and y-intercept of a parabola.