Algebra I: Zeros of a Quadratic Function

Objectives

• Students will determine the linear factors of a quadratic function.
• Students will connect the algebraic representation to the geometric representation.
• Students will discover that the zeros of the linear factors are the zeros of the quadratic function.
• Students will discover that the zeros of the quadratic function are the zeros of its linear factors.

Vocabulary

• zeros

About the Lesson

This lesson involves merging graphical and algebraic representations of a quadratic function and its linear factors. As a result, students will:

• Manipulate the parameters of the linear functions and observe the resulting changes in the quadratic function.
• Find the zeros of the quadratic function by finding the zeros of its linear factors.
• Solve quadratic equations by factoring and be able to explain why this process is valid.