Lesson 1
1. Lesson 1
1.11. Connect
Module 4: Quadratic Equations and Inequalities
In the Lesson 1 Assignment you will demonstrate your understanding of the lesson outcomes. You will apply the concepts and strategies you learned to new situations. You must show your work to support your answers.
Open your copy of the Lesson 1 Assignment, which you saved in your course folder at the start of this lesson. Complete the assignment.
Save your work in your course folder.
Project Connection
You are ready to begin Module 4 Project: Imagineering. Open Module 4 Project. Read the following sections to become familiar with what you will be doing and how you will be assessed:
- Project Introduction
- Project Assessment
Still in Module 4 Project: Imagineering, begin Blue Sky. You will complete Blue Sky in Lesson 3.
Save your work in your course folder.
Going Beyond
Isn’t it frustrating when you need to draw a parabola but you don’t have your computer or graphing calculator with you? The following instructions show one of many ways to construct a parabola. The diagram will help you understand the steps given.
Step 1: Determine the span and height of the parabola.
Step 2: Construct a horizontal line segment equal to the span. Label the endpoints A and B.
Step 3: Construct the midpoint of 
. Label this D.
Step 4: Construct a vertical line segment with endpoints V and D (the midpoint of
) equal to the height of the parabola.
Step 5: Extend line segment 
to C, where 
is equal in length to 
.
Step 6: Use a ruler to divide 
and 
into equal segments. (The more equal segments you have, the more accurate the parabola.)
Step 7: Connect the points, as shown in the diagram, to create tangents to the parabola.
Step 8: Use freehand to draw the parabola that is revealed amongst all of the tangent lines.
What other methods are there of drawing a parabola?
Another method requires the use of some common items you may find around the house, such as string and a measuring square. Search the Internet using the keywords “how to draw a parabola” to find other ways of constructing a parabola.
Copy any instructions for drawing parabolas that you find especially interesting. Follow the instructions and save your drawings in your course folder.