Finding the Zeros by Graphing

Learning Resource Type

Learning Activity

Subject Area

Mathematics

Grade(s)

9, 10, 11, 12

Overview

This activity will help students solve quadratic equations in one variable. While instruction is delivered, the teacher will use the website, Desmos, to show where the graph crosses the x-axis. 

This activity results from the ALEX Resource GAP Project.

Phase

During/Explore/Explain
Mathematics (2019) Grade(s): 09-12 - Algebra I with Probability

MA19.A1.9

Select an appropriate method to solve a quadratic equation in one variable.

UP:MA19.A1.9

Vocabulary

  • Completing the square
  • Quadratic equations
  • Quadratic formula
  • Inspection
  • Imaginary numbers
  • Binomials
  • Trinomials

Knowledge

Students know:
  • Any real number has two square roots, that is, if a is the square root of a real number then so is -a.
  • The method for completing the square.
  • Notational methods for expressing complex numbers.
  • A quadratic equation in standard form (ax2+bx+c=0) has real roots when b2-4ac is greater than or equal to zero and complex roots when b2-4ac is less than zero.

Skills

Students are able to:
  • Accurately use properties of equality and other algebraic manipulations including taking square roots of both sides of an equation.
  • Accurately complete the square on a quadratic polynomial as a strategy for finding solutions to quadratic equations.
  • Factor quadratic polynomials as a strategy for finding solutions to quadratic equations.
  • Rewrite solutions to quadratic equations in useful forms including a ± bi and simplified radical expressions.
  • Make strategic choices about which procedures (inspection, completing the square, factoring, and quadratic formula) to use to reach a solution to a quadratic equation.

Understanding

Students understand that:
  • Solutions to a quadratic equation must make the original equation true and this should be verified.
  • When the quadratic equation is derived from a contextual situation, proposed solutions to the quadratic equation should be verified within the context given, as well as mathematically.
  • Different procedures for solving quadratic equations are necessary under different conditions.
  • If ab=0, then at least one of a or b must be zero (a=0 or b=0) and this is then used to produce the two solutions to the quadratic equation.
  • Whether the roots of a quadratic equation are real or complex is determined by the coefficients of the quadratic equation in standard form (ax2+bx+c=0).

Learning Objectives

The student will be able to solve quadratic equations in one variable with the assistance of the website, Desmos.

Activity Details

The teacher will show the students how to input the quadratic equation in Desmos.

The teacher will discuss: "When the graph touches, intersects or does not intersect with the x-axis, that is the solution." If the graph does not touch or intersect the x-axis, then the quadratic equation does not have a solution.

The teacher can show the following examples and ask the students where the graph crosses the x-axis:

1. x2 +3x +2 = 0

This graph will cross the x-axis at -2 and -1. Solution -2, -1

 2. x2 - 5x - 6 = 0

This graph will cross the x-axis at -1 and 6. Solution -1, 6

3. x2 – 4x + 4 = 0

This graph does not cross the x-axis but touches it at 2. Solution 2

4. x2 +3x +5 = 0

The teacher can ask the question, "What do you notice about this graph?"

This graph does not cross the x-axis. The entire graph will be above the x-axis. No Solution

The teacher will place students in groups to work the following problems to check for understanding:

1. x2 − 9x + 18 = 0

2. 2x2 – 4x + 2 = 0

3. x2 + 5x + 4 = 0

4. 3x2 -7 x + 5 = 0

Solutions:

1. 3, 6

2. 1

3. -4, -1

4. No Solution

The teacher will use the following questions for students to work individually:

Solve each equation by graphing.

1)  x2 − 8x + 16 = 0

2)  x2 − 14x + 48 = 0

3)  x2 + 2x – 48 = 0

4)  −x2 − 7x − 6  = 0

5)  x2 − 5x − 14 = 0

6)  x2 + 7x  + 16 = 0

7)  2x2 + 10x – 12 = 0

8)  x2 – 1  = 0

9)  x2 – 5x + 6 = 0

10) x2 +3x + 9 = 0

 

Answers

  1. 4
  2. 6, 8
  3. -8, 6
  4. -6, -1
  5. -2, 7
  6. -6, 1
  7. No solution
  8. -1, 1
  9. 2, 3
  10. No solution

Assessment Strategies

The teacher will ask students to answer the questions from the group work for the formative assessment.

The questions for individual work will be assigned for a summative assessment.

Variation Tips

The teacher can place students in collaborative groups for extra help with the assignments.

Background / Preparation

The teacher will need a computer with internet access.

The teacher will project website on an interactive whiteboard.

The teacher will need worksheet made from the questions for students.

The students will need their own device with internet access. 

 

 

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