'Use logical deduction to piece this quadratic puzzle together and make lots of quadratic links!'

How much information do you need about a quadratic function before you can sketch it? How do you find the intercepts from the equation? Surprisingly, the answers to these questions can usually be pieced together from existing knowledge. Start by matching the four bits of information that go with each sketch, then repeat the exercise but with less and less information each time! Eventually we see that the quadratic alone often gives you all the information you need! This activity aims to reinforce the links between all the features of a quadratic function. The function itself, the graph, the intercepts/roots, and sometimes the factorised form! Inherent in the activity is the notion that the skill required here is logical deduction and not necessarily the learning of new ideas.

Below is a quick screencast to show the activity in action

Aims

This activity aims to reinforce the links between all the features of a quadratic function. The function itself, the graph, the intercepts/roots, and sometimes the factorised form!

Inherent in the activity is the notion that the skill required here is logical deduction and not necessarily the learning of new ideas.

Resources

This activity is in three stages run from the following three worksheets:

 Quadratic links 1

 Quadratic links 2

 Quadratic links 3

For more thoughts on this activity, teachers can read the  Quadratic Links teachers notes

Gallery

Here are a few photos of the activity in action.

Syllabus links

Description