Swotly / Lessons / L01

Reading a parabola from its equation: y = ax^2 + q

Mathematics, Grade 10, FET · L01 · 3:00 to 6:00, computed 4:22 at the timing rule

Beat 1 of 12

-2-112-3240
  • y = x^2

This is a parabola. It is the shape a ball makes when you throw it. Today you will draw this shape from an equation, and you will need five points to do it.

y = x^2

Outcome, quoted from the curriculum: Generate as many graphs as necessary, initially by means of point-by-point plotting, supported by available technology, to make and test conjectures and hence generalise the effect of the parameter which results in a vertical shift and that which results in a vertical stretch and /or a reflection about the x axis.

Source record: CAPS Mathematics Grades 10 to 12, Department of Basic Education, 2011, ISBN 978-1-4315-0573-9, section 3.1.1, topic 1 Functions, Grade 10 column, printed page 12. Prerequisite: Plotting a point on the Cartesian plane from an ordered pair.