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Simple Quadratic Equations

Learn what a quadratic equation y=ax2y = ax^2 looks like, and how the value of "a" changes the direction and width of the parabola. Let’s get started! 🚀

Simple Quadratic Equations - introduction visual

Video Lesson

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Flashcards

Review key concepts visually

Quadratic equation formula y = ax² with a not equal to zero, highlighting coefficient 'a'.Graph of the quadratic equation y = x² with a table of x and y values and a standard parabola on a coordinate plane where a = 1.Graph illustrating how the sign of 'a' affects direction and its absolute value affects the width of the parabola.

🛎️ What Is a Quadratic Equation?

  • A quadratic equation has an x² term.
  • Its graph is called a parabola.

🛎️ Graphing the Standard Parabola y = x²

  • You find points by squaring x to get y.
  • The graph is symmetrical and has a minimum at the origin.
  • Points like (-2,4) and (2,4) show the symmetry.

🛎️ Effect of a in y = ax²

  • The sign of a decides if the parabola opens upwards or downwards.
  • The size of |a| controls the width of the parabola.
  • A larger |a| makes the parabola narrower.

Practice Questions

Test your understanding

Interactive Activity

Visualise the quadratic function y = ax², where a cannot be 0

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