6.2 Model Quadratic Equations
Recall:
Parabola – a symmetrical U-shaped graph, which is the graph of a quadratic relation.
Quadratic Relation – an equation that describes a parabola, which is of the form y = ax2 + bx + c, where a ≠ 0.
E.g. y = 2x2 – 3x + 4

a = 2, b = -3, c = 4
Degree – the highest exponent in an expression which tells us what kind of expression it is.
E.g. degree = 1
linear Relation
degree = 2
quadratic relation
degree = 3
non-linear/non-quadratic relation
Ex 1:
First Differences - if the first differences in the y values are constant (the same), then the relations is linear.
Second Differences - if the second differences in the y values are constant (the same), then the relations is quadratic.
NOTE: If the first difference are not constant, then we try the second differences to see if the relation is quadratic. If
the second differences are not constant either, then the relation is non-linear/non-quadratic.
Ex 2:
a.)
Using the first/second differences, determine if the relation is linear, quadratic or non-linear/non-quadratic.
b.)
Ex 3: