Tasks | Early Adolescence | Quadratic Equations

Tasks - Year 8,9

Quadratic Equations   by Richard Grey, Curriculum Council

Phase of Development:   Early Adolescence

Learning Area/s:	Mathematics, Science
Strand/s	Substrand/s
Algebra	Understand Graphs Understand Symbols
Working Mathematically	Mathematical Strategies
Brief Description:	The student is given the equation which describes the path of a stone thrown into the air then explores and finds the critical values on the parabola.
Expected Outcomes:	Tabulate the data. Graph the function on the graphics calculator. Describe the critical points.
Context:	This activity can be used to introduce students to examine the main characteristics of the parabola.
Learning Activities/ Experience:	Time taken - 15 minutes activity. Links to Science Learning Area. A ball is thrown into the air and its height (y) at any time (t) is given by the equation y = 44.1t - 9.8t2 1. Enter the function into your graphics calculator. 2. Complete the table of values, using your graphics calculator. t(s) 0 .5s 1.0s 1.5s 2.0s 2.5s 3.0s 3.5s 4.0s 4.5s 5.0s y(m)                       3. Graph the function for 0 < t < 4 s 4. Estimate when the ball reaches the ground again, then calculate this time accurately. 5. Calculate the maximum height the ball reaches and give the time at which this occurs.