Title: Appendix 4 Classwork
Course: Algebra 1 Parabola > Section: Worksheets

(Appendix 4)

Classwork:  Take a picture of a parabolic shape in your environment.  Up load the image and save it on to your computer.  You will also need a grid (preferably large) to be saved on to your computer.  Use the link to view a video on how to overlay the grid you saved on top of the photo of a parabolic shape.

The video suggest that you use the software PAINT.NET.  A video link is provided to describe how to download the software.

Determine if the object’s parabolic shape is a parabola by locating graphical components (vertex and at least two other points) of the curve using the grid.  Use the technique described in the blog or the regression capability of a graphing calculator to find a model (equation) of your parabolic shape using the points found.  Graph the equation on the grid which lies on top of the photo.  To determine if the shape is a parabola, you must plot numerous points from the equation (end behavior, middle and center) on the grid.  Compare the graph to the parabolic shape.

Send or turn in to the teacher a copy of the image with grid, the equation graphed on top of the parabolic shape and the equation of the parabolic model.  Summarize your findings in the forum.

Link to Blog:

http://www.intmath.com/blog/is-the-gateway-arch-a-parabola/4306

Link to Video for Overlay:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q61hdRIoc8M

Link to Video Describing how to download Paint.net

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V9-2o62ILe8