Where did conic sections get their name? The equation and graph of a parabola are developed from the definition of the conic section. Teacher examples on graphing the equation and writing an equation from the graph round out the plan.

Have learners find coordinates of point on a graph, find equations of graphs given, and graph given equations using in and out tables. There are 27 problems related to equations for lines, parabolas, and absolute value functions.

In this algebra instructional activity, students are given the vertex and focus of each parabola and asked to write the equation of the parabola. They are given the directrix and vertex and asked to write the equation of the parabola....

Using the method of completing the square, algebra learners rewrite quadratic equations from standard form to vertex form. They will also graph quadratics, stating the vertex and axis of symmetry.  Solutions are provided.

In this graphs of parabolas worksheet, 10th graders solve 10 different problems that include the graphs of various parabolas. First, they graph the parabola given the equation to determine which way the parabola opens. Then, students...

In this writing equations of functions worksheet, students solve 4 short answer problems. Students write equations of transformed parabolas and absolute value equations given a stretch/shrink factor and vertical horizontal shift.

This fun activity guides learners through an exploration of the effects of replacing f(x) with -f(x), f(x) + c, k f(x), and f(x + c). Using graphing calculators, students experiment with variations of the graph of y = x^2 to design a...

The equations look different, but their graphs are the same. How can that be? This activity leads your mathematicians in an exploration of three different forms of the same quadratic function. After comparing the equations, their graphs,...

For this graphing worksheet, high schoolers identify the vertex, axis of symmetry, and direction of the opening of a parabola.  They graph given equations.  This four-page worksheet contains 18 problems.  Answers are...

Explore nonlinear systems through graphs and algebra. High schoolers begin by examining the different types of quadratic functions and their possible intersections. They then use algebraic methods to solve systems containing various...

In this parabolic learning exercise, students write an equation of a parabola which satisfies given conditions. They match equations to the correct graph. Students identify the vertex, domain and range of an equation. This one-page...

In this parabolas instructional activity, students write the equation of 6 parabolas in standard form and then sketch their graphs. Students then write 13 equations for parabolas given certain information.

Learners find the equation that passes through two given points. They then locate the intersection of two lines, and find the x and y intercepts for four parabolas when given their equations. Answers are provided.

Show high schoolers there is more to quadratic functions than just formulas and parabolas. Connect the math to realistic application problems with a resource that has learners consider such situations as a ball hit in the air, the...

In this algebra learning exercise  uses factoring to solve and graph quadratic equations. The three page learning exercise contains explanation of topic, worked examples and five practice problems. Answers are not provided. 

In this parabolas activity, students solve 28 short answer problems. Students find the focus, directrix, axis, and equations of parabolas.  Students match the equation of a parabola with it's correct graph.

Pupils calculate the equation of a quadratic in vertex form from a specific graph and determine an equation that would fit the description of a parabola. The final question determines the individuals' understanding of the signs of the...

In this algebra worksheet, 11th graders identify parts of a parabola and circle. They solve systems of equations and answer questions about radius, foci and conics. There are 20 questions on this test. 

Instead of the typical quadratic questioning, explore the function and look at the three different ways a parabola can be written. The main task is when given several clues, young mathematicians must write an equation that matches the...

In this conic section worksheet, students complete a thirty-one question practice test containing matching and problem solving conic equation and conic graph problems.  The solutions are provided.

In this conic sections and nonlinear equations learning exercise, students solve 25 multiple choice problems. The learning exercise is a review of the conic sections and nonlinear systems chapter of an intermediate algebra course, so the...

Linear, quadratic, and exponential functions are represented only by their table of values in this simple, well-written learning exercise. Learners decide the type of graph represented based on the differences in the function...

In this graphs worksheet, students solve and complete 15 various types of problems. First, they determine the range of the function of the graph shown and write in interval notation. Then, students find the domain of the function in the...

In this algebra worksheet, students solve parabolas using the standard and vertex forms. They find the vertex and asymptote and graph the parabola. There are 64 problems.