Unit 6 Quadratic Functions

Lesson 1

Learning Focus

Model a growing pattern with tables, graphs, and equations.

Analyze the type of growth exhibited by a pattern.

Lesson Summary

In this lesson we investigated a new kind of function called a quadratic function. We modeled a sequence of figures with tables, graphs, and explicit and recursive equations to identify features of quadratic functions and how they appear in each representation.

Lesson 2

Learning Focus

Model patterns with functions.

Compare and contrast linear and quadratic functions.

Lesson Summary

In this lesson we modeled a quadratic and a linear function and compared representations. We learned that the graph of a quadratic function is called a parabola.

Lesson 3

Learning Focus

Model a quadratic function with tables, graphs, and equations.

Understand the first difference of a quadratic function.

Lesson Summary

In this lesson we modeled a situation with a diagram, table, graph, and equations. We learned that quadratic functions can be models for the sum of an arithmetic sequence and furthered our understanding of the type of change exhibited by quadratic functions.

Lesson 4

Learning Focus

Model a story context with table, graph, and equation.

Identify features of a function from a graph.

Lesson Summary

In this lesson we examined a quadratic function that was a model for area but had many different features than those we have seen previously. We learned that all quadratic functions have a linear rate of change and constant second difference, but some may be continuous and have intervals of increase and decrease depending on the domain.

Lesson 5

Learning Focus

Compare quadratic and exponential functions.

Determine which type of function, quadratic or exponential, grows faster in a given interval.

Lesson Summary

In this lesson we compared quadratic and exponential functions. We learned that in some intervals for small values of , quadratic functions may be greater than exponential functions. For large values of , exponential functions greatly exceed quadratic functions because of the difference in their rates of change.

Lesson 6

Learning Focus

Determine if a relation is linear, exponential, quadratic, or some other kind of function.

Determine the type of growth and key features of the function.

Lesson Summary

In this lesson we sharpened our skills in distinguishing quadratic functions from linear and exponential functions. We made connections with equations and graphs of quadratic equations and discussed efficient methods for identifying features of quadratic functions.