Introduction to Parabolas
While the graph of a linear equation is a straight line, the graph of a quadratic equation is a curve called a parabola. Parabolas are more complicated to graph than lines, but they have distinct features and properties that you can use to help with graphing. This lecture series explores what all parabolas have in common and how to use them to model real-life situations. Watch the videos and complete the interactive exercises.
Interpret parabolas in context
1. Biologists introduced a population of bacteria to a test environment. The function 
models the population size (in thousands) as a function of time (in days) after introduction.
Plot the point on the graph of that corresponds to when there are no more bacteria in the population.
2. A baby bird jumps from a tree branch and flutters to the ground. The function models the bird's height (in meters) above the ground as a function of time (in seconds) after jumping.
Plot the point on the graph of that corresponds to the bird's height above the ground when it jumped.
3.Cassie hit a golf ball. The function models the height of the ball above the ground (in meters) as a function of time (in seconds) after Cassie hit it.
Plot the point on the graph of that corresponds to the ball's maximum height.
4. Mia kicked a football. The function models the height of the ball above the ground (in meters) as a function of time (in seconds) after Mia kicked it.
Plot the point on the graph of that corresponds to when the ball hit the ground.
