Lesson Plan

Read the vertex (h, k) and the axis of symmetry x = h from vertex form y = a(x - h)^2 + k, and explain the vertex as the point where the squared term is 0 (a minimum when a > 0, a maximum when a < 0)

Determine from a alone whether a parabola opens up or down and whether it is narrower or wider than y = x^2

Locate the vertex of a parabola given in standard form y = ax^2 + bx + c using x = -b/(2a) and substitution

Write the equation of a parabola translated by stated horizontal and vertical amounts

Identify an equation as a parabola from the fact that exactly one of its variables is squared

G 609. Recognize special characteristics of parabolas and circles (e.g., the vertex of a parabola and the center or radius of a circle) AF 705. Identify characteristics of graphs based on a set of conditions or on a general equation such as y = ax² + c AF 706. Given an equation or function, find an equation or function whose graph is a translation by specified amounts in the horizontal and vertical directions A 506. Identify solutions to simple quadratic equations A 508. Factor simple quadratics (e.g., the difference of squares and perfect square trinomials)