Here is a way to understand polynomials using Geogebra. With the sliders provided, students will be able to see how the graph of a polynomial changes when certain coefficients are changed in the equation: ax^2+bx+c.
Tasks/Guidelines for applet: 1. Understand polynomials 2. Understand how the shape of a graph changes when the value “a” is increased or decreased, as well as if the shape is concave up or concave down 3. Understand how the position of the graph along the x-axis changes when the value “b” is increased or decreased 4. Understand how the position of the graph along the y-axis changes when the value “c” is increased or decreased 5. Notice how the “roots” of the graph change as the values of a, b, and c are all increased and/or decreased