Maths Bootcamp
The pq formula can be memorised without it ever becoming clear what it is actually the solution to. This bootcamp therefore starts from the parabola: first see what a quadratic function does, then calculate. Six levels lead from recognising the parabola through standard form and vertex form to the pq formula, on to factorising with Vieta's theorem and finally to problems where the equation has to be set up first. Every level holds four exercises, many of them step by step, so a mistake shows up early rather than only in the final answer. A thrown ball, an area to optimise and a profit function close the course.
85 min
Total Duration
24
Activities
Year 9/10
Audience
Learning Objectives
- Recognise parabolas from their equation and read off vertex and opening
- Convert between standard form, vertex form and factored form
- Solve quadratic equations with the pq formula and by factorising
- Set up the right quadratic equation for a word problem yourself
Contents
Basics: recognising parabolas
15 min · Interactive
Converting forms
15 min · Interactive
The pq formula
15 min · Interactive
Factorising with Vieta
15 min · Interactive
Mix and match
15 min · Interactive
Word problems
10 min · Interactive