Integrated Algebra II
Factoring Quadratic Expressions - WebQuest
Complete each problem on this worksheet. Some of the questions may require numerical responses, whereas others will require a written response based on your investigations.  Each question will refer you to a specific website. You may either type that in manually or use the links set up through www.spsd.org.

1. http://nlvm.usu.edu/en/nav/frames_asid_189_g_4_t_2.html?open=activities

Multiplying Polynomials – Algebra Tiles

Read the directions under " Multiplying Binomials – 1 "
Use the applet to create this product. Write your solution in the space provided here. Be sure to include the sketch as well as the algebraic notation. Continue this for the following exercises.
(a) x • (y + 1) (b) (x + 1)(x + 5) (c) (y + 3)(y + 2
(d) Create your own multiplication "table" (e) This particular manipulative

2. http://nlvm.usu.edu/en/nav/frames_asid_118_g_4_t_2.html

Towers of Hanoi

Object of the Game: To restack the discs in the same original order on another peg in the least number of moves possible.
Rules: You may only move one disc at a time.
You may never have a larger disc stacked on top of a smaller disk.
Start the game with only two discs. Try to increase the number of discs. This will obviously increase the number of required turns.
(a) What is the least number of turns required to "solve" the two disk game?
(b) What is the least number of turns required to "solve" the three disk game?
(c) What is the least number of turns required to "solve" the four disk game?
(d) What is the least number of turns required to "solve" the FIVE disk game?!?
(e) Challenge - There is actually a simple formula to calculate the minimum number of moves required to solve the Tower of Hanoi. Can you figure it out?

3. http://www.thatquiz.com/tq/practice.html?algebra

On-Line Practice – Solving for "x" and Writing the Formula

Use the on-line practice format to "quiz" yourself. Try to mix up the categories on the right. I would try the following:
{Length: 10, Level 5, "check" x-intercepts, "select" Parabolas or Any Equation}
Take the "quiz" and see how you do out of 10 questions. Go back through and make corrections after you are done. This is can be a great tutorial.
After you are done with this, take another 10-question "quiz". Write down what you selections you made for your "self-quiz" here:

4. http://nlvm.usu.edu/en/nav/frames_asid_182_g_4_t_2.html

Peg Puzzle

Win this game by moving the pegs on the left past the pegs on the right!

5. http://www.wtamu.edu/academic/anns/mps/math/mathlab/col_algebra/col_alg_tut34_quadfun.htm

Graphing Parabolas

This website discusses, in detail, the methods for graphing a quadratic equation. Scroll about half- way down the page to find the steps to "Graphing a Quadratic Equation". List the steps here:
Below the steps on the page, there are some practice problems. Read the directions! Write your answers to the following problems in the space provided here:

6. http://nlvm.usu.edu/en/nav/frames_asid_139_g_4_t_2.html

Counterfeit Coins

Try this fun puzzler! Remember, try to find the counterfeit coin in only two tries!

7. http://library.thinkquest.org/C0110248/algebra/history1.htm

History of Algebra

This website deals with the history of algebra. As your read the passages about algebra’s history, answer the following questions:
a) Where does the word algebra come from?
b) Around what time did Euclid write his book Elements? What was the subject matter of this writing?
c) What is the name that the Chinese gave to their version of solving systems of equations? What did they use this information for?
d) What was the purpose of developing logarithms? What other culture had this same need fulfilled by mathematical discoveries?
e) What is the "new" algebra called?
Choose one of the cultures from this reading (Islamic, Chinese, Greek, Italian, German, Russian, Hindu, etc.) and find another website dedicated to the culture of your choice and its relationship to mathematics. Provide the website and a description of what you found here (1 – 2 paragraphs).