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Task Analysis
Task Analysis
Task Analysis
problems. Many real life-applications can be modelled using quadratic functions. The students
will be required to complete the square, find the minimum or maximum point of the curve, and
solve the equation to obtain the roots. A task-analysis provides a framework that allows teachers
to monitor student achievement of a skill, based on the objectives in the behavior chain.
Question:
A ball is thrown straight up, from 3m above the ground. The height h (m), of the ball at any
ii. Determine the maximum height the ball reaches and the time it reaches this maximum
height.
Objectives:
completing the square, quadratic formula, discriminant, stationary point of a quadratic function
Student Skills required:
1. Recognize that when the ball hits the ground the height = 0, hence they must put the
Step 1
Behavior Chain
3. Identify the positive value of t as the time the ball hits the ground. 𝑡 = 3 𝑠
Step 2
Behavior Chain
1. Rewrite expression with term in t2 first, then term in t, then constant, −5𝑡 2 + 14𝑡 + 3
14 3
2. Factorize -5 throughout the equation −5 [𝑡 2 − 𝑡 − 5] = 0
5
3. Add and minus half coefficient of t, all squared inside the bracket of step 2
14 3 −7 2
−5 [𝑡 2 − 𝑡−5+(5) ]
5
5. Switch the third and fourth terms inside the brackets in step 4
14 −7 2 3 −7 2
−5 [𝑡 2 − 𝑡+(5) −5−(5) ]
5
6. Rewrite the first three terms inside the bracket in perfect square form
7 2 3 7 2
−5 [(𝑡 − 5) − 5 − (5) ]
7 2 64
7. Simplify the remaining constant in the square brackets −5 [(𝑡 − 5) − 25]
7 2 64
8. Expand the square brackets, by multiplying throughout by -5. ℎ(𝑡) = −5 (𝑡 − 5) + 5
Step 3
Behavior Chain
7 2 64
1. Take completed square form of quadratic function ℎ(𝑡) = −5 (𝑡 − 5) + 5
7
2. Put expression in bracket equal to 0. 𝑡 − 5 = 0
7
3. Solve for t. 𝑡 = 5
64
4. Let h be equal to last term in completed square form. ℎ = 5
7 64
5. Maximum point is equal to values of t and h from steps 3 & 4 (t, h) = (5 , 5 )
64
6. Maximum height is equal to h, from step 4. ℎ = 5
7
7. Time that ball reaches maximum height is equal to t, from step 3. 𝑡 = 5