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University of Nottingham
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Solving quadratic equations
This resource develops the concept of solving quadratic equations by taking square roots, completing the square, using the quadratic formula, and factoring.
The resource is set in the practical context of a bus cutting a corner that has a cycle lane. When a bus turns a corner, it must swing out so that its rear wheels don’t go into the cycle lane. Students have to explain how a quadratic equation is derived from the geometry of the situation. Students then solve the resulting equation and interpret their results in the context of the problem. Examples of student work are given to encourage discussion of different methods and for peer assessment.
This is a concept development lesson from the Mathematics Assessment Resource Service, a collaboration between UC Berkeley and the Shell Centre team at the University of Nottingham. Further information on the collection is given here.
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