QUADRATICS UNIT
In the quadratics unit we developed a deeper understanding of the relationship between geometry and algebra. To be more specific we learned how to:
- Displacement Equation (kinematics)
- Deriving Quadratics Equations in Vertex Form
- Converting from Vertex Form to Standard Form
- Converting from Standard Form to Vertex Form
- Find x-intercepts
- Find y-intercepts
- Sketch a Quadratic Graph
- Factoring Quadratics
POSTCARD:
The Quadratics Postcard activity was a summary of our quadratics unit. Basically, we used what we learned about quadratics and applied it to real life. My real life situation was modeling a cut watermelons parabola. To be more specific, my question was: Can a parabola accurately describe the curvature of a cut piece of watermelon? In summary, I manipulated the general, vertex form, equation and used what we already knew to plug in and solve for the different variables. To view my answer and process in more detail look to the right to see the postcard I created. Overall the postcard project taught us that math is not just used in the classroom it is everywhere in your surround would. For example, when you throw or kick a ball the trajectory is a parabola, which relates to quadratics. This is just one of the endless examples of math, specifically quadratics, in the real world.
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REFLECTION:
I feel that my quadratics postcard came out great. I put a lot of effort into designing, solving, and explaining all the aspects within the postcard. My initial question was: Can a parabola accurately describe the curvature of a cut piece of watermelon? I then talked to one of my peers and decided to change my question to be less realistic, but more challenging. This question was: How can we use a parabola to predict the height difference between a volleyball net on earth v.s the moon? Based on my teacher’s suggestion and the time limit, I changed my question back to the initial question. If we were allotted more time for this project I would have stuck with my second question to give myself more of a challenge. In conclusion, I feel I put a lot of effort into this project and I am very proud of my postcard.