The Quadratic Formula

Lesson Topic: The Quadratic Formula

Common Core State Standards: (High School Algebra) Solve quadratic equations by
inspection (e.g., for x2 = 49), taking square roots, completing the square, the quadratic
formula and factoring, as appropriate to the initial form of the equation.

Objective:

1. Recite the quadratic formula

2. Use the quadratic formula to solve the solutions of quadratic equations

Prerequisite Knowledge: Students know what a quadratic equation is, the shape of a
graph of a quadratic equation, and how to calculate the discriminant. Students can use the
discriminant value to predict how many solutions the quadratic equation has.

Materials: Quadratic Formula Notes, Quadratic Formula Classwork, The Quadratic

Formula Powerpoint, Exit Ticket, and calculator

Engagement:

The teacher will briefly review quadratic equation form and the shape of its graph with
the students. The teacher and students will discuss where they see parabolas in real life.
ie: arches, roller coasters, basketball shots, etc.

Exploration:

The teacher will introduce the first 2 steps to solving a quadratic equation:

Understand relations and functions and select, convert flexibly among, and use various
representations for them.

1. Set the equation equal to zero

2. Identify a, b, and c

Students will practice each step with the examples from the Powerpoint

3. Write the quadratic formula

To help students remember the formula the teacher will play the following video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O8ezDEk3qCg
The teacher will write the quadratic formula on the dry erase board as the video is
playing. Once the video has played, the teacher will sing the song and then the students
will sing the song. The class should sing the song all together

4. Plug & Chug

The class should solve the quadratic equation by plugging the a, b, and c values into the
equation. This can be done using a calculator.

Extension:

The class will be divided into 3 groups; each group will be assigned a problem to solve
together. The problem will come from the Quadratic Formula Classwork. After the
groups have solved the problem, one member will be asked to present and described the
steps they took to solve the problem. Students should pay attention and take notes from
the different groups.

Evaluation:

The students will be asked to complete an exit ticket.