|
The Slope of a Parabola
What is the slope of y = x2?
Recall slope refers to the rate of change of a function. Begin by computing the slope between two points on the y = x2 function that are .001 units apart in the x-direction. Repeat the process for several (many) pairs of points. What happens to the slope? Organize your collection of data in a manner that may help a pattern stand out. Is there a pattern in your data that would help you predict the slope?
 |
Extensions |
Investigate the slope of a different curve in the form y = xn and compare findings and generalizations among your classmates.
|
Related External Resources |
Buying my first car
"You will soon be in the position of getting your driver's license and looking for a car. In all of the excitement, you are faced with a number of decisions which need to be made before you actually purchase your car. Through this unit you will research every aspect that a person goes through when purchasing a car."
 Submit your idea for an investigation to InterMath.
|
