Solving Quadratic Equations
Flash Cards
Center # 3
Developed by: Karla Carpenter
Washington Marion High School
GLEs:
► Algebra - Solve quadratic equations by factoring, completing the square, using the quadratic formula, and
graphing (A-4-H)
Introduction:
We have been studying solving quadratic equations. Today you will be solving quadratic equations by factoring.
Factoring is one of several different methods of solving quadratics. This method is not always useful, because it only
works if an equation can be factored. However, it is very quick and easy if the equation can be factored. At the
completion of this activity you will have one method in you arsenal for solving quadratic equations. Will this be one of
your favorite methods? Explain your answer.
Task:
You are a member of the math team. It is the responsibility of the math team to assist students with math remediation
and tutorials. You and your fellow math team members need to show how solving quadratic equations using factoring
can be useful. Your team’s job is to create flashcards using “Flashcard Machine” for the class to use. The flashcard sets
you develop will be available for download to an iPod or iPhone so students needing assistance can practice on the go!
Process:
To accomplish this task, you and your team will complete the following step-by-step instructions:
1) The students will visit www.flashcardmachine.com
2) To look at examples of flashcards.
a) Login using provided user name and password.
b) Select the “Flashcard DB” tab at the top of the page.
c) Subject: select Mathematics.
d) Level: select 11th grade.
e) Push “Search” button.
f) Select a set of flashcards to view (you may view multiple sets to obtain ideas).
3) The students will research the various methods of solving quadratic formulas. Your group will be responsible for
developing a set of flashcards that will be available to other classes to use for information needed on the topic of
solving quadratic formulas by factoring.
4) Individual team members will gather resources and/ or investigate your area of expertise to complete your individual
portion of this task …
These websites may be useful:
www.brightstorm.com
a) Member 1: Your role is to be the “project manager.” You are responsible for making sure all members remain
on task and proofreading and submitting the final product. You will also work with Member 2 in researching
vocabulary and definitions related to solving quadratics by factoring.
b) Member 2: Your role is to use the Algebra II text book to identify the needed vocabulary and definitions to solve
quadratics equations by factoring.
c) Member 3: Your role is to generate and solve quadratic equations which can be solved by factoring. (Hint:
Write your equations in factored form and then multiply them out to get the problem to be used.)
d) Member 4: Your role is to enter the information for the flashcards onto the cards on the website; a minimum of
10 flashcards is required.
5) Now that you've become an expert in the area of solving quadratic equations by factoring, the time has come to
rejoin your group for the next phase of your project.
6) The team should compile each team member’s assigned information to create a set of flashcards.
a) From the “Home” screen of www.flashcardmachine.com choose “MyFlashcards” from the top right.
b) Select “Create a New Flashcard Set” in the top left.
c) Select “Mathematics” for the subject and “11th Grade” for the grade level.
d) Enter a title for the flashcard set.
e) Enter a brief description of the flashcards (what will you learn by studying this set and team members’ names.)
f) Select “Save Set Details.”
g) Select “Advanced Editor.”
h) Select “Create A New Card.”
i) Enter your information into the flashcards.
j) “Save and Exit” when all your information has been entered, this will save your flashcards to the account.
7) As a team, review final project for accuracy. Be sure all team members are acknowledged for their work.
Evaluation:
Checklist/Rubric
Reflective Question or Constructive Response:
To avoid hitting any rocks below, a cliff diver jumps up and out. The equation h= -16t2 + 4t + 26 describes her height h in
feet t seconds after jumping. Find the time at which she returns to a height of 26 feet.
Place the response to your reflective question & print out from quiz into the “Turn In” box for you hour.
Adapted from resources found at the following website
http://webquest.sdsu.edu/templates/lesson-template1.htm
Based on a template from The WebQuest Page