Stefan Warner and Steven R. Costenoble
Finite Mathematics & Applied Calculus: Quadratic Functions and Models
The resource investigates quadratic functions and models. Students learn about the concepts through notes and examples. A chapter quiz, review exercises, and chapter summary are included.
Khan Academy
Khan Academy: Features of Quadratic Functions
Find the zeroes ('roots') of quadratic functions and the vertex of their parabolas. Functions are given in standard, vertex, and factored form.
Texas Instruments
Texas Instruments: Height and Time for a Bouncing Ball
In this activity, students' will record the motion of a bouncing ball using a motion detector. They will then model a bounce using both the general and vertex forms of the parabola.
ClassFlow
Class Flow: Quadratics Zeros
[Free Registration/Login Required] Graph parabolas and discover the zeros. Calculate the roots by factoring.
Other
Center for Technology and Teacher Education: Parabola Lesson Plan
This site is a lesson plan on construction of a parabola using the definition. Geometer's Sketch Pad software is beneficial for the lesson plan. Through the lesson plan students develop gemetric constructions of parabolas, use the...
Analyze Math
Analyze Math: Vertex and Intercepts Parabola Problems
The tutorial explores the vertex and intercepts of parabolas. Some topics discussed are vertex form, vertical axis, intercepts, and graphing. The activity consists of examples with detailed solutions.
National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
The Math Forum: Ask Dr. Math: How Many Points Determine a Parabola?
This site discusses how many point determine a parabola and then gives an example of finding the equation of a parabola given the sufficient number of points located on the parabola.
National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
The Math Forum: Ask Dr. Math: Equation of a Parabola
Dr. Math, in a reply to a student question, shows how a parabola is just a quadratic equation.
Science Struck
Science Struck: Parabolic Mirror: Working, Principle and Applications
Explains how a parabolic mirror works and how to calculate its geometric properties. Discusses the two forms - parabolic troughs and parabolic dishes - and how these are used in solar panels and satellite dishes. Other real-life...
Math Notes and Math Tests
Pre Calculus Notes: Polynomial and Rational Functions [Pdf]
The resource discusses quadratic functions. Topics examined are parabolas, the vertex, the axis of symmetry, and standard form.
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.
Other
Desmos: Will It Hit the Hoop?
Students explore projectile motion in this activity as they look at videos and predict whether basketballs will land in the hoop. They then show their predictions in graphs of parabolic curves and compare their predictions to the actual...
Cool Math
Coolmath: Graphing by Completing the Square How
Explore and understand graphing by completing the square.
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.
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.
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...
Texas Instruments
Texas Instruments: Cutting Corners
Students' will continue to develop the idea of quadratic equations and parabolas.
Texas Instruments
Texas Instruments: Old Mac Donald's Pigpen
In this activity, students solve a standard maximum value problem using the calculator. Students help Old MacDonald build a rectangular pigpen with 40 m fencing that provides maximum area for the pigs. They graph scatter plots, analyze...
Texas Instruments
Texas Instruments: St. Louis Curves or Arch? You Pick!
Students explore curve fitting and translations of the parabola.
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Algebra: Factor Polynomials Using Special Products
[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] This lesson covers factoring perfect square trinomials and the difference of squares.
Lawrence Hall of Science
The Math Page: Topics in Pre Calculus: Basic Graphs
Here is a site that clearly and thoroughly explains the graphs of the major mathematical functions. There are example problems solved, problems for the student to attempt, and answers to the student problems. Point this site out to...
Texas Instruments
Texas Instruments: How High Will It Bounce?
In this activity, students collect the height versus time data of a bouncing ball using the CBR 2. They find the relationship between the bounce number and the bounce height. They learn to graph scatter plots, calculate the maximum value...
PBS
Pbs: String Product: Y = X^2
Examine how a giant sculpture at the National Museum of Mathematics represents the solutions to the equation y=x^2. This video focuses on the basics of graphing quadratic functions and the relationship between x and y values along the...