Guided Activity

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Icon activity.jpg Guided Activity
The goal of this activity is to match a polynomial function to an unknown function and learn a bit about polynomial functions along the way. In other words, your goal is to match the unknown function g(x) by changing the values of the coefficients a, b, and c in your polynomial function, f(x)=y.
  • Let the red curve on the graph be the known polynomial function, f(x).
  • Let the dark blue curve on the graph be the unknown polynomial function, g(x).
  • The thin curves represent individual contributions to f(x). Namely, ax2, bx, and c.
  • Record all your observations, results, and analysis as they may be worth marks.
  • Good hunting!


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Question

 
What is the y-intercept for the unknown function?
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Example Data Table
                                                                                                                                                                                     
                                                                                                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                                                              




Icon activity.jpg More Guided Activity
You have completed the first part of the activity.

Now you need to match the entire function f(x) to the unknown function.

  • Which way is unknown function's minimum (or maximum) shifted from x=0?
  • With c=0, can you make the red curve not cross the blue curve?
  • Now look at how broad the unknown function is for a specific range of x. Can you match the curve?


Check Your Results