Laboratory: Quadratic Functions

Using a graphing calculator we will investigate the quadratic function: y = f(x) = ax2 + bx +c . where a:f.: 0

Set your graphing calculator to the standard window: ~ 1 0 :s; x:s; 10 and -1O:S; Y S 10 with xscl = 1 and yscl = 1.

Calculator directions:

a. Press the key marked WINDOW and enter the data above or press the key ZOOM and then the number 6 (This will set up the standard window automatically)

b. If you want a better view ofa particular function and you can alter these parameters by highlighting the parameter to be changed and typing in the new value.

c. To graph each function press the key Y= and enter the function. Then press GRAPH

d. To view the points on a graph press TRACE and move the right and left arrow keys.

e. If you have more than one graph on the same set of axes and you want to trace, you can move from one graph to another using the up and down arrow keys.

f. Use the 2nd CALC key to find the vertices of the parabolas

Directions: For each of the following questions:

1. Draw and label each graph.

2. List the axis of symmetry and vertex for each function.

3. Answer any questions in sentences.

1. We 'Will first investigate the impact of a on the equation.

Graph the equations y = x2, Y == 3x2, and y = 6x2 on the same set of axes.

Label their axes of symmetry and their vertices. Consider the width of the parabolas. How does changing the value of a appear to affect these graphs?

2, Graph the equations y = x2• Y = .5x2, y::;: .Olx2 on the same set of axes

Label the axes of symmetry and their vertices. Consider the width of the parabolas. How does changing the value of a appear to affect these graphs?

3, Graph the equations y = -x2• y == -2x2, y = -4x2 ,and y = -.5x2 on the same set of axes.

Label their axes of symmetry and their vertices. Consider their width and whether they open up or down. How does changing the sign of a appear to affect these graphs?

> . \

4. We can now generalize about the effect of a on the parabola y = ax2. Using the data obtained above, and the parabola y = x2 as your basis for comparison. describe the parabola y = ax2 if:

1.) a> 1

2.) 0 < a < 1

3.) -1<a<0

4.) a<-1

II. We will now investigate the value of e in the parabola y = ax2 + bx + c.

1. Graph on the same set of axes, y = x2 ,Y = x2 + 3 , and y = x2 - 5 Label the vertices and axes of symmetry.

Describe the differences in the parabolas as the value of c changes?

2. Graph on the same set of axes y = -3x2, Y = -3x2 -6, and y = -3x2 + 4 Label the vertices and axes of symmetry.

Describe the differences in the parabolas as the value of c changes?

3. Graph on the same set of axes, y = 2x2 + 6x, y = 2x2 + 6x -4 and y = 2x2 + 6x + 3.

Label the vertices and axes ofsymrnetry.

Describe the differences in the parabolas as the value of c changes?

4. Given the equations y = ax2 + bx and y = ax2 + bx + c describe the effect that c has on the parabola in general and the effect it has on the vertex of the parabola. What happens if:

c is a positive number?

c is a negative number?

ill. We will now investigate the value of b in the parabola: y" ax~ + bx + C

1. Graph on the same set of axes: y = x2 - 2x, y;= x2 +2x.

Graph on another set of axes: y = x2 + 4x + 2 y == x2 - 4x - 5 Label the vertices and axes of symmetry.

Describe the position of the vertex (left or right of the y-axis) when b is a positive number and when b is a negative number.

2. Graph on the same set of axes: y = "3x2 + 6x and y == -3x2 - 6x Graph on another set of axes: y == -x2'-2x + 8 and y = -x2 + 2x + 8

Label the vertices and the axis of symmetry. ,

Describe the position of the vertex (left or right of the y-axis) when b is a positive number and when b is a negative number.

J. Consider the equation: y = ax2.+ bx + c. Describe the placement of the vertex (left or right) of the y-axis in each of the following conditions. If necessary, draw a few more examples.

a.) a is a positive number where:

b is a positive number

b is a negative number

b.) a is a negative number where:

b is a positive number

b is a negative number

IV. Further investigations in the parabola:

1. The relationship between the discriminant and the parabola:

For each of the following parabolas. determine the discriminant b2 - 4ac, the x-intercepts of the parabola and sketch its graph.

a.) y = x2 + 5",- 2

b.) y = x2 + 6x + 9

c.) y = -2x2 - 6x + 1

d.) y = x2 + 3x+ 5

e.) y = 2x2_7

d.) y = x2 + 3x - 4

_ Using the information provided above, what can you determine about the NUMBER of x-intercepts the parabola has, if the value of the discriminant is:

a positive number?

a negative number?

Zero?

VI. Further investigations in the parabola:

1. The general form y = a(x-h)2 + k

Graph each parabola and completethe table below:

IParabola a h k Axis of Symmetry Vertex (h, k)
y=x2-5
y=-2(x-I/-5
y = 4(x + 3/ - 2
ly=·5(x-4/+1
y = -(2/3)(x + Ii - 3 Using the information provided above, given the equationofa parabola in the form y =a(x-h/ + k what is the vertex and the axis of symmetry?

Vertex _

.Axis of Symmetry _

The variable a serves the sam~ purpose in a11 forms of a parabola.

What happens in the parabola if a is positive _

if a is negative, _

Is the parabola wide or narrow in comparison to a parabola where a = 1

if la! is a large number

if lal is a small number

Write an equation of a parabola satisfying the following conditions:

a.) Axis of symmetry, x=-2 Vertex (-2,7) Opens up a.) _

b) Axis of symmetry x=5 Vertex (5,-3) Opensdown b.) _

C,) Axis of symmetry x = 0

Vertex (0, -3)

Opens upand is wide

c.) _

d.) Axis of symmetry x = -3

Vertex (-3, 4)

Opens down and is narrow

d.) _