In this part of the lesson, you will be investigating how changing the value of c to a number greater than 0 will affect the graph of y = ax2 + c.

Click the link below to access an online graphing calculator. Then follow the directions below to complete the exercise.

This activity might not be viewable on your mobile device.Interactive exercise. Assistance may be required. Online Graphing Calculator

Directions for the Graphing Calculator

You will be entering quadratic equations in the y(x) field. (Remember, this is function notation. It is just a different way of writing a "y =" equation.) To enter the exponent of the equation, use the ^ symbol which is accessed by pressing "Shift 6". The equation will be written in the y(x) field as x ^ 2. At any time, click on "Show Tabular Data" to see a table of values.

  1. Enter x2 in the y(x) field and then click on Plot/Update to graph the equation.
  2. Click "Enter" to go to the next line in the y(x) field and enter x2 + 1. Then click on Plot/Update.
    A snapshot of your entries is shown.


    3. Source: Graphit, Shodor

  3. Click "Enter" again and enter x2 + 6. Then click on Plot/Update.

  4. In your notes, describe how changing the value of c from "0" to a number greater than 0 affects the graph. (Use the words up or down.)
Interactive popup. Assistance may be required.

Check Your Answer

When the value of c is greater than 0, all points on the graph are shifted up c units.

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