Examples of what pupils should know and be able to do
Know some properties of quadratic functions and features of their graphs. For example:
- The graph is a curve, symmetrical about the vertical line through its turning point.
- The value of the y-coordinate at the turning point is either a maximum or a minimum value of the function.
- 2001 test P1 Q11 (L7) - Microsoft word document (40Kb)
- FTM(S)Y789 p. 163 - Acrobat pdf document (48Kb)
Probing questions
Are these statements always, sometimes or never true? If they are sometimes true, when precisely are they true and when are they false?
- Quadratic functions have an x² term.
- A quadratic function has a minimum value.
What if pupils find this a barrier?
Use and adapt the Matching and Wise words activities in Teaching mental mathematics from level 5: algebra p. 21 - Acrobat pdf document (36Kb).
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