Purpose of the Applet
This applet is specifically tailored to students studying characteristics of polynomial functions, particularly cubic functions. These are mostly studied in 11th grade in the Polynomial Functions unit. However, this can be used in lower level classes such as with the 10th grade Analytic Geometry Quadratic Functions unit and 9th grade Coordinate Algebra Linear and Exponentials Functions unit. Both of these emphasize characteristics of functions but are limited to functions that are not cubic. This is easily remedied by setting the x^3 coefficient equal to 0. Teachers may also choose to provide a preview of cubic functions for their lower grades classes.
The purpose of this applet is multi-faceted. First, the applet identifies where a function is increasing, decreasing, concave, and/or convex. The applet also identifies the function value for a given x-value. Both purposes are fulfilled using the sliders and check boxes. Upon first look, the applet looks intimidating because there are no instructions or indication of what is going on. However, as students start exploring, they realize what each slider and check box is supposed to do. All aspects of the applet are easy to use, but it can be difficult to decipher what each of the aspects is indicating in the context of the graph and the equation. For instance, it is difficult to see which slider works for which coefficient because there are not any labels.
The purpose of this applet is multi-faceted. First, the applet identifies where a function is increasing, decreasing, concave, and/or convex. The applet also identifies the function value for a given x-value. Both purposes are fulfilled using the sliders and check boxes. Upon first look, the applet looks intimidating because there are no instructions or indication of what is going on. However, as students start exploring, they realize what each slider and check box is supposed to do. All aspects of the applet are easy to use, but it can be difficult to decipher what each of the aspects is indicating in the context of the graph and the equation. For instance, it is difficult to see which slider works for which coefficient because there are not any labels.