--Parabolas- Its the graphing of any quadratic function.
--Quadratic Function- is a function described by an equation that can be written in the from f(x)=ax^2+bx+c, where a does not equal 0.
In a standard form equation like y=x^2-4 there are 3 different part to it the is the :
Quadratic Term-- x^2
Linear Term-- x
Constant Term-- -4
Line of Symmetry equation is x=-b/2a
Another thing you would need to know before start this there are a few more definitions you'll need to know:
Vertex: is the point of intersection of the parabola and the axis of symmetry.
Zero: are the x-coordinates of these intersection points of the function.
OK NOW TIME TO START!!
here a word problem for you:
A rock was shot downward in with an initial velocity of 35 feet per second. The height of the arrow h(t) in terms of the time t since the rock was released is h(t)=t2-4t=4
a.) Draw the graph of the function relating the height of the rock to the time.
b.) Name the axis of symmetry and the vertex.
Answer:
a.)
b.) Line of Symmetry : 2
Vertex: (2,0)
"Life is good for only two things, discovering mathematics and teaching mathematics"--Siméon Poisson
From website :
http://math.furman.edu/~mwoodard/mquot.html
so much fun huh?