Why All Quadratic Graphs are U-Shaped (VIDEO!)

The equation y = ax^2 + bx + c is the equation of a U-shaped graph (x^2) plus the equation of a line (bx+c). If one pauses for a moment, it is not at all obvious that these two shapes added together give another U shape! We explain why in this follow-up video to graphing quadratics.

[p.s. I was human again. There is a small error near the very end of the video. It is not a big deal, but for extra points, can you spot it??]

Quadratics are U’s

• ON-LINE SHORT COURSES!

  QUADRATICS, Permutations and Combinations, EXPLODING DOTS, and more!

  Written for educators - and their students too! - this website, slowly growing, takes all the content Tanton has developed in his books, videos, and workshops, and organizes it into short, self-contained, and complete, curriculum units proving that mathematics, at all points of the school curriculum, can be joyous, fresh, innovative, rich, deep-thinking, and devoid of any rote doing! Let's teach generations of students to be self-reliant thinkers, willing to flail and to use their common sense to "nut their way" through challenges, to assess and judge results, and to adjust actions to find success. (Great life skills!)

  CHECK OUT: www.gdaymath.com

• Books

  • Thinking Mathematics! (TEN VOLUMES)
  • Solve This: Mathematical Activities for Students and Clubs
  • Encyclopedia of Mathematics
  • Geometry I & II

• Get in touch

  Email: tanton.math@gmail.com