Investigate the effect of changing a and b.
Make sure that you are clear about these aspects of a quadratic graph:
Make sure that you are clear about these aspects of a quadratic graph:
- its basic shape
- its symmetry
- the number of places where the curve crosses the x-axis
- how the values of a and b affect the shape and position of the curve
Summary/Background
A note about graphic calculators
A graphic calculator is not allowed in your exam. However you can use one for revision. The TI-83, or similar model, can display cubic graphs for you.
| Select the
Y= screen: Enter Y1 = (X-A)(X-B) Then select the GRAPH screen. You can then choose different values for the constants A and B. For example, to make A = 1, press 1  ALPHA A. |  |
Downloadable Files
If your computer is set up with either Omnigraph or Autograph then you can download these files to investigate quadratic curves further.
Software/Applets used on this page
This page uses JSXGraph
JSXGraph is a cross-browser library for interactive geometry, function plotting, charting, and data visualization in a web browser. It is implemented completely in JavaScript, does not rely on any other library, and uses SVG and VML. JSXGraph is easy to embed and has a small footprint: less than 100 KByte if embedded in a web page. No plug-ins are required! Special care has been taken to optimize the performance.
JSXGraph is a cross-browser library for interactive geometry, function plotting, charting, and data visualization in a web browser. It is implemented completely in JavaScript, does not rely on any other library, and uses SVG and VML. JSXGraph is easy to embed and has a small footprint: less than 100 KByte if embedded in a web page. No plug-ins are required! Special care has been taken to optimize the performance.
Glossary
cubic
A mathematical expression of the 3rd degree; having a x³ term but no higher one.
function
A rule that connects one value in one set with one and only one value in another set.
graph
A diagram showing a relationship between two variables.
The diagram shows a vertical y axis and a horizontal x axis.
The diagram shows a vertical y axis and a horizontal x axis.
plot
To mark a point on a graph accurately by using its coordinates.
quadratic
A mathematical expression of the 2nd degree; having a x² term but no higher one.