Year 9 Mathematics
Investigation: Quadratic Functions
Axes Intercepts
Purpose:
Practice graphing skills and reading information from graphs.
Discover rules regarding the axes intercepts of quadratic equations.
Write conjectures based on observations.
Practice electronic formatting and skills, including how to insert graphs
and mathematical equations in a Word document, appropriate for
Mathematical Investigations.
In this task you will be assessed on your ability to:
Demonstrates knowledge of mathematical concepts in familiar and
unfamiliar contexts.
Select and apply appropriate mathematical techniques to find correct
solutions to routine and non-routine mathematical problems.
Use digital technologies to find correct solutions to mathematical
problems to routine and non-routine mathematical problems.
Organise mathematical information (mathematical symbols, language,
conventions, terminology, representations).
Communicate mathematical knowledge (reasoning, processing,
explaining, evaluating).
Evaluate and interpret routine and non-routine mathematical solutions
correctly (accuracy, reasonableness, limitations) in familiar and unfamiliar
contexts
Describe mathematical patterns using appropriate mathematical language
(symbols and notation).
Year 9 Mathematics
Quadratic Functions Investigation
Axes Intercepts
An x -intercept of a function is a value of x where its graph meets the x -
axis.
x -intercepts are found by letting y be 0 in the equation of the function.
A y -intercept of a function is a value of y where its graph meets the y -axis.
y -intercepts are found by letting x be 0 in the equation of the function.
PART A
Use technology (e.g. Desmos Graphing
[Link] ) to draw the graph of each of the
following functions. Clearly label the y -intercept on each graph.
a) y=x 2−3 x + 4
b) y=− x2 + x−5
c) y=x 2−2 x
d) y=2 x 2−4 x+ 7
e) y=−3 x 2 +2 x+5
f) y=4 x 2−6
Hence, state the y -intercept of a quadratic function of the form
2
y=ax + bx+ c.
PART B
Use technology to draw the graph of each of the following functions.
Clearly label the x -intercepts on each graph.
a) y=(x−2)(x−6)
b) y=(x +2)( x+7)
c) y=−(x−4)(x +5)
d) y=2(x−5)(x+5)
e) y=−3 x (x−4)
f) y=4 (x−2)( x+5)
Hence state the x -intercepts of a quadratic function of the form
y=n(x−α )(x−β).
PART C
Use technology to draw the graph of each of the following functions.
Clearly label the x -intercepts on each graph.
a) y=( x−2)2
b) y=−(x +4 )2
c) y=2( x−3)2
d) Hence state the x -intercept of a quadratic function of the form
2
y=n(x−α )
PART D
Write a conclusion, mathematically summarising your findings.
Appendix – Graphing and labelling points on the DESMOS
calculator
1. Go to [Link]
2. Write your equation in box 1 (red arrow). To write a power (eg x2),
pull up the keyboard (green arrow) and hit a2 (to square it) or ab (for
any other power)
3. Once you have entered your equation, you can highlight the
intercepts and click the “export” button to add them to your list of
equations
4. Then, simply check the box that says “label” to have the coordinate
of your intercept appear on your graph.
Note: If you can’t get a good view of your graph, you can use the
plus/minus tools (red arrow) to zoom in and out and get a better image, or
hit the settings button and enter a custom range to display on your x and
y axes (green arrow).
5. Lastly, take a screenshot of an appropriate area of your graph to
show your work!
