Identify Key Characteristics of a Quadratic Function
Move the sliders for the values of A, B, and C in the quadratic equation. You can also enter values between 0 and 10 into the boxes for these values. See what different values of A, B, and C do to the Quadratic Equation in blue and its Axis of Symmetry in red.
Discovering the Axis of Symmetry Formula
How does the value of C in our quadratic equation affect the axis of symmetry?
Make A=1 in the quadratic equation. Move Slider B to different values. If A = 1, what is the formula for the axis of symmetry?
Now, move Slider A to a value not equal to 1. Move Slider A and Slider B around. What is the formula for the axis of symmetry for any value of A, B, and C?
Vertex
How is the axis of symmetry related to the vertex of the quadratic equation?
How do you find the y-coordinate of the vertex from the equation of the quadratic?
Y-intercept
Does A, B, or C affect our y-intercept? How does that letter relate to our y-intercept?
Directionality
Does A, B, or C affect our directionality? How does this letter affect our directionality?