Significant Values in my Equation

The significant values in my equation are K, H, and A

The K value determines where on the y-axis my parabola will be shifted, for example in my equation my K value is -3 so I know my parabola will be 3 units below the x-axis. K is representative of the vertical shift of the parabola, if I had a positive 3, for example, I would move above the x-axis. This means that my parabola will open at -3, somewhere along the x-axis.

The A value in my equation will tell me which way my parabola will open and how the number representing the A value affects how my parabola looks. In my parabola my A value is a positive 1, which means my parabola will open upwards towards the positive numbers of the graph. But that’s not all, the A value can also affect your width. When a parabola has a large and positive A value the parabola is narrow and facing upwards; so when you have a smaller positive number the parabola is wider and up-facing. Also, when the A value is negative the widths of the values stay the same, but the direction in which they open changes to a down-facing parabola. In my parabola, the A value is a fraction (1/3) which is under one so using what we learned in class I know that my parabola is going to be wider than someone who has an A value of 2 or 3.

The H value shifts the parabola from left to right along the horizontal axis. If your H value is negative it will shift to the left, whereas if it’s positive it will shift to the right. But remember, the H value changes as you take it out of the brackets; lets say it was negative inside the brackets but as you take it out of the brackets it becomes a positive. This is a lot like my parabola, where the H value is positive inside but comes out as a negative 1, which shifts my whole parabola to the left.

Self-Assessment

1. Give an example from this assignment where you represented the same mathematical idea in three different ways?

I showed both the simple parabola and my own parabola side by side in a photo with both equations labelled. I also used mathematical words and terms that where used in class to get my point across.

2. Give an example from this assignment where you used mathematical vocabulary to demonstrate your understanding.

Any of the three paragraphs above are evidence of my mathematical vocabulary that was used in class.

3. Give an example from this assignment where you used formatting to share the information in a clear and organized way.

For this assignment, I utilised demos to help me visually graph my parabola.   My parabola was plotted next to the original y=x^2 parabola, so I  was able to distinguish the two. With this method, I was able to see the two graphs, which benefited me in comprehending the math.  Additionally, I had to clarify my parabola, so I explained and showed my understanding for the various values. This also showed that I recognize what the variables stand for and how they are used in each equation. I also showed I am also able to recognize how each value effects the points on the graph.