Sometimes being different is an advantage. An engaging activity has scholars match cards with quadratic functions in various forms. Along the way, they learn about how each form highlights key features of quadratic functions.

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,...

Rewrite a quadratic function to easily see the transformations involved. The instructional task takes a general quadratic function and rewrites it into a form that shows the translations and scaling of the parent quadratic function. The...

Use equivalent expressions to reveal information about their graphs. Pupils verify that two quadratic functions are equivalent. By comparing the two expressions, they determine the vertex, the zeros, the y-intercept, and the...

Introduce your algebra learners to linear and quadratic functions. Learners compare the differences and relate them back to the equations and graphs. Lead your class to discussions on the properties of a function or a constant slope...

Use a one-stop resource for everything you'd possibly want to teach about quadratic functions and models. Scholars analyze key features of quadratic functions as well as transformations of functions through seven activities....

Use an activity to illustrate the different forms of a quadratic function. Here, the task asks learners to use composition of given functions to build an explicit function. The process emphasizes the impact of the order of...

In the activity on this webpage, learners use interactive graphing technology to investigate transformations of graphs. In the first part of the task, they look at the graph of a quadratic function with coordinates of a few points...

Learners rewrite a general quadratic function by completing the square to see a new form of the function that more easily identifies the x-coordinate of the vertex and the two roots of the function.

Comparing the movement of graphs geometrically when small changes are made to the parent function motivates this collaborative discussion on the transformations of functions to their various forms. Vertical and horizontal shifts due to...

No suspension here, the resource is good to go. Using graphing calculators, scholars explore how transformations affect the graphs of quadratic functions. They consider how the changes relate to the context of suspension bridges.

Class members create a table of the number of chords that can be drawn given the number of points on a circle. Pupils analyze the data created, find a function to fit to it, and use the function to make further predictions.

Throw some logic into quadratics and see if learners can match a vague graph to multiple equations. Young mathematicians must look at quadrant location, vertices, and intercepts to best match the graph to one or more equations. 

A baseball trajectory and a parabola seem to make the best pair in real-world quadratic applications. Here is a current baseball resource with questions, discussions, and explorations regarding a quadratic function and home run...

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

Ready to share the beauty of the inverse function with your classes? This algebra II instructional activity guides the discovery of an inverse function through a numerical, graphical, and an algebraic approach. Connections are made...

Collaborative pairs develop functions that model a graph from a context using the modeling cycle. They then analyze their function models in order to answer questions about the scenario.

Forgive me, I regress. Building upon previous modeling activities, the class examines models using the regression function on a graphing calculator. They use the modeling process to interpret the context and to make predictions...

Your algebra learners write linear, exponential, and quadratic equations containing the same two graph points in this collaborative task.

A six-day unit for algebra II on exponential and logarithmic functions builds upon Chapter 12 of Merrill Algebra II with Trigonometry; Applications and Connections. The text provides assistance in the depth of instruction...

Paper folding, flu spreading in a school, bacteria growth, and continuously compounded interest all provide excellent models to study exponential functions. This is a comprehensive resource that looks at many different aspects of...

Learners are given a graph of a parabola on a coordinate system, but intercepts and vertex are not labeled. The task is to analyze eight given quadratic functions and determine which ones might possibly be represented by the graph. The...

Your learners will write quadratic functions whose graphs include specific points and explore how these graphs are related to each other.

Which function models the data best? Pupils work through several activities to model data with a variety of functions. Individuals begin by reviewing the shapes of the functions and finding functions that will fit plotted data points. By...