Introducing the Quadratic Function

After reviewing last night's homework and last minute questions about the test, students used the handheld computers to graph a variety of functions of the form y = ax^2. Students recorded their findings on grid paper. Using the graphs, students were asked to answer the following questions:

--Describe the shape of the f(x) = ax^2 function.
--How does a positive "a" value change the graph of the function?
--How does a negative "a" value change the graph of the function?
--How do fractional values of "a" (0 < a < 1) change the graph of the function?
--Predict the shape of these functions: y = 1000 x^2 and y = 0.001x^2

Tonight's Homework: Study for the square root test (Concept 12). Answer the questions about the graphs of the quadratic function you started in class today.