* Graphing Calculator activities with Quadratic Functions *  Exercise 2 *

The graph of  a   Quadratic Function  is a U shaped curve that goes Up or Down.

Direction is an important concept with Quadratic Functions  Direction is defined by the first term ( + )  or (- ) .

Size is another important characteristic.  Is the Quadratic Functions large or small in size?

Graphing Calculators accept the equation in  Standard  form:       y = Ax² +Bx +C    A,B,C real numbers.

Graphing Calculators accept the right side of this equation.

The relationship between terms of a Quadratic Function and characteristic is either a Direct or Inverse Relationship.

A review of Quadratic Functions might be helpful.    Ok, let's try a few exercises with graphing   U  shaped curves!

Remember all you have to do is  type in the GC Mode of the equation and press enter.

Remember to use  *  for multiply and /  for divide and ^   for exponents.

Maybe,  print out this page before starting this Graphing Calculator activities.

What happens to a Quadratic Function as a (+) Linear Term is included?

Which way does the curve move:  Up or Down?  Relationship?  DR or IR?

Math Mode:  y =  +1x² +1x        GC Mode:    x^2 +1*x

Math Mode:  y =  +1x² +3x         GC Mode:    x^2 +3*x

Math Mode:  y =  +1x² +5x         GC Mode:    x^2 +5*x

What happens to a Quadratic Function as a ( -) Linear Term  is included?

Which way does the curve move:  Up or Down?  Relationship?  DR or IR?

Math Mode:  y = -x² -x          GC Mode:  - x^2 -1*x

Math Mode:  y = -x² -3x        GC Mode:  - x^2 -3*x

Math Mode:  y = -x² -5x         GC Mode:  - x^2 -5*x

What happens to a Quadratic Function if all three terms are included?

Try factoring the quadratic equation and finding the roots or intercepts.

Math Mode:  y = + x² +x +6         GC Mode:  +x^2 +5*x +6

Math Mode:  y = + 1 x² -x +6         GC Mode:  + x^2 5-*x +6

Math Mode:  y = + x² +x -6            GC Mode:  +x^2 + x -6 

Math Mode:  y = + x² -x -6            GC Mode:  + x^2 - x -6

What happens to a Quadratic Function if all three terms are included?

Try factoring the quadratic equation and finding the roots or intercepts.

Math Mode:  y = +2x² +5x - 3         GC Mode:  +3*x^2 +5*x -3

Math Mode:  y = +3x² -x - 2         GC Mode:  +3*x^2 - x -2

Math Mode:  y = -2 x² -x +6         GC Mode:  -2*x^2 -x + 6

Math Mode:  y = -4x² +12x -9         GC Mode: - 4*x^2 +12*x -9

Click on one of the Online Calculators:  I like the first one but they are all great!

GCalc!  The equation box is at the top of the screen.

Oh yel, you have to press the Click to Start GCalc button.

Click the Reset Button (Top Right) and Yes to clear screen.

CoolMath Graphing Calculator   The equation box is at the top of the screen.

Click the Cls button at the bottom right of commands to clear screen.

GraphIt!   The equation box is at the bottom of the screen.

Oh yel, you have to press the  Plot It!  at bottom left of screen.

Also, click the check mark in front of grid before starting to show grid.

Also, typing in a new Linear Function automatically clears the screen.

Tom Love                Malone College           Fall 2003