Algebra 2 News
Quadratic Equations and Parabolas
by Ben Swanson
January 11, 2008
Johnson County Central Algebra 2 students have returned from their winter break and were given their New Yearâs algebra resolution: I will know more about quadratic equations and their parabolic graphs in 2008.
Mr. Swansonâs Algebra
2 classes have been studying quadratic equations of the form 
. Students have been working on graphing these
equations, and have learned that the graph of a quadratic equation
forms a curve called a parabola. Real-world applications of
quadratic equations have been studied through problems that involve
free-falling objects such as skydivers jumping from
airplanes. Other problems have involved launching projectiles
and graphing their height above the ground versus the time since
the launch.
The students have enjoyed the opportunity to use technology in the classroom as they have used the TI-83 Plus graphing calculators to explore these parabolic graphs. Solutions to these quadratic equations can be found by analyzing their graphs. Students will also be studying other methods of solving these equations such as factoring, completing the square, and the quadratic formula.
Knowledge of quadratics will help to prepare these students for other classes such as Physics and Algebra III/Trigonometry. The Nebraska State Standards and the ACT exam also contain questions involving quadratic equations and parabolas, and the methods used in dealing with quadratics.
