QuickMath - quadratics - working provided

• Factorise quadratic expression.
• Solve quadratic equation (factorise, quadratic formula or complete the square).
• Write quadratic expression in completed square form.
• Determine concavity, intercepts, axis of symmetry, vertex.
• Plot the graph.
• Calculate the discriminant.

function graph puzzle - Maths Online
Match the equation and the graph - linear and quadratic functions.

Solve quadratic equations.

completed square form of quadratic function - Ron Blond
Change values for a,h,k and see the effect on the graph of y=a(x-h)²+k.

polynomial functions - Maths Online
Select "power series 1" and "power series 2". Investigate the shapes of the graphs of quadratic functions.

interpolation polynomials
Fit a polynomial function to a number of points. A unique quadratic function can be fitted to three non-linear points - investigate.

minimum stopping distance of a car
Minimum stopping distance is proportional to the square of the speed and inversely proportional to the coefficient of friction.

projectile motion simulation

• version 1 - Michael Fowler
• version 2 - Walter Fendt
• version 3 - University of Oregon

Galileo's work on projectile motion
Galileo was the first person to determine that a projectile followed the path of a parabola.

stroboscopic pictures of flipped coin and ping pong ball - Andrew Davidhazy

roller coaster database
Investigate the relationship between the height of a roller coaster and the maximum speed (quadratic?).

Gateshead Millennium Bridge
The world's first rotating bridge is based on the shape of a parabola.

Concentrating Solar Power: Energy from Mirrors
fact sheet with details and photos of the use of the parabola in collecting energy

Hanging with Galileo - Paul Kunkel
hanging chain - catenary or parabola?

Interactive String Parabolas - Alfinio Flores
Create string art or curve stitching online.

Parabola - MacTutor History Archive

• history
• Java applet

Parabola - Cut The Knot
history. properties and theorems

Visual Math - Linear / Quadratic Functions
extensive interactive resources

resources page - algebra