by assigning values
to A, C and F. Graph this equation using Algebra Xpresser. Keeping
C and F constant what do you think happens as A changes.Objectives:
1. Students will learn to graph the equations of conics using Algebra Xpresser.
2. Students will explore the relationship between changing equation and changing the corresponding conic.
Materials:
Computers equipped Algebra Xpresser
Activity Sheet
Discussion of Lesson:
In this lesson, students will learn to graph the equations of conics using Algebra Xpresser. Students will manipulate the equations to see how as the coefficients in the equation changes different conics are formed.
Activities:
Activity One
1. Create an equation of the form by assigning values
to A, C and F. Graph this equation using Algebra Xpresser. Keeping
C and F constant what do you think happens as A changes.
2. What happens to the graph when A=0?
3. What happens to the graph as A approaches 1 from 0?
4. What happens when A=1?
5. What happens A>1 approaches infinity?
Activity Two
Rotate roles before beginning this activity.
1. Using the same equation that you began with in activity one, analyze the effects of changing C while keeping A and F constant.
2-5. Answer questions 2-5 from activity one this time in relation to C rather than A.
Activity Three
Rotate roles before beginning this activity.
1. Using the same equation that you began with in activity one, analyze the effects of changing F while keeping A and C constant.
2-5. Answer questions 2-5 from activity one this time in relation to F.
Activity Four
Rotate roles before beginning this activity.
1. Create an equation of the form 
using
the same A, C and F values as in activity one. Keeping A, C and F constant
what do you think will happen to the graph as B changes?
2-5. Answer questions 2-5 from activity one this time in relation to B.
Activity Five
As a group complete a write-up of your findings. This write-up may be a list of conjectures accompanied by your graphs or a chart indicating the values of A, B, C, and F and the type of conics and its graph that occurs for each.