Big Ideas:
Functions can be classified into different families with similar patterns of change.
The graph of these patterns reveal qualitative relationships between the variables.
In this task students follow the flight path of an arrow and decide which graph best represents the projectile's trajectory. Although there are plausible scenarios for several of the graphs, students understand that a projectile's path under general circumstances is in the shape of a parabola. Students then identify the major parts of the parabola and the qualitative meaning of those parts.
Vocabulary:
trajectory, maximum, maximize, minimum, projectile, profit
Special Materials:
None
Lesson plan