Explore how real-world applications can be parabolic in nature and how to find quadratic functions that best fit data. A number of different examples of modeling parabolas are explored including a student scavenger hunt, the exploration...

Is there a relationship between powers and roots? Here is a lesson that asks individuals to examine the graphical relationship. Pupils create a table of values and then graph a square root and quadratic equation. They repeat the process...

Get out those thinking caps and apply graphing functions to a real-world problem. Use the TI-83 graphing calculator to evaluate algebraic expressions that are imbedded in a series of real-world scenarios. A great activity!

Solve equations by completing the square. The pupils factor quadratic equations and graph the parabola. They also identify the different terms in the equation and look for patterns.

Bobo the Boxer needs a pen and algebra learners need to find the maximum area that can be created from a fixed amount of fence.  A graphing calculator is used to assist in their exploration. 

Perfect as a review guide, this worksheet provides a range of questions focusing on functions. Topics include composing functions, transformations, domains, and polynomials. Also included are corresponding worksheets focusing on other...

Students graph quadratic equations. For this algebra lesson, students solve quadratic equations by factoring. They identify the end behavior of the graph.

Learners practice plotting functions on the Cartesian coordinate plane, see several categories of functions, including lines and parabolas, and read a graph, answering questions about the situation described by the graph

Students factor quadratic equations. In this algebra lesson, students identify the factors and use them to graph the parabola. They find the parameters and vertex of each graph.

What do you get when you cross a circle and a line? One, two, or maybe no solutions! Teach learners to find solutions of quadratic and linear systems. Connect the visual representation of the graph to the abstract algebraic methods. 

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...

This real-life model of braking distance motivates learners to approach quadratic equations algebraically, numerically, graphically, and descriptively.

Consider complex numbers, roots, and quadratic equations. Use the discriminate as a way to determine the nature of a quadratic's roots. Then discuss the similarities and differences between quadratics with two, one, or no real roots....

What function will describe the insect population growth? Pairs or small groups work together to determine which type of function and specific function will model given scenarios. The scenarios differentiate between linear,...

Working with imaginary numbers — this is where it gets complex! After exploring the graph of complex numbers, learners simplify them using addition, subtraction, and multiplication. 

Explore parabolas in this algebra lesson with the graphing calculator. The class investigates what effects the changing of the parameters of the vertex form of a quadrati have to its graph. They find the zeros of a quadratic graphically...

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

Time for pupils to use their imagination! Learners examine the relationship between a system with no real solution and its graph. They then verify their discoveries with algebra. 

The greater the degree, the more solutions to find! Individuals find the real solutions from a graph and use the Fundamental Theorem of Algebra to find the remaining factors. 

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.

Learners investigate average rates of change for linear functions and connect the concept to slope. They then determine average rates of change in quadratic and exponential functions.

class members first work through finding the equation, table of values, graph, and key features of a linear function expressed verbally. Individuals then work through several more problems given different representations.

Students explore quadratic functions. In this function family worksheet, students examine the quadratic function and the family of functions. They identify the affects of the shape of the parabola and its position on the coordinate...

In this investigating parabolas instructional activity, 9th graders solve and graph 7 different problems that include graphing various equations that represent parabolas. First, they sketch their graphs to each problem. Then, students...