Investigation on linear, quadratic and cubic equations
The purpose of this task is to familiarize yourself with the graphs of first (linear), second (quadratic) and third degree (cubic) equations and how they change as you alter the values of coefficients a, b, c, and d .
1. Set coefficients a and b zero. We now have a linear equation in the form y = cx + d. Investigate how changing the values of c and d affects the graph of the equation. Write down your observations for both coefficients.
2. Set coefficient a zero. We now have a quadratic equation in the form y = bx² + cx + d. Investigate how changing the values of b, c and d affects the graph of the equation. Write down your observations for each coefficient.
3. Finally, let’s investigate a cubic equation in the form y = ax³ + bx² + cx + d. Investigate how changing the values of a, b, c and d affects the graph of the equation. Write down your observations for each coefficient.