Mastering Quartic & Quintic Graphing w/o a Calculator for Pre-Calc 12

[Martin Zhao]

For pre-calculus 12, is there a need for students to master the ability of graphing quartic or quintic functions without using graphing calculator?

 

[Mark44]

For pre-calculus 12, is there a need for students to master the ability of graphing quartic or quintic functions without using graphing calculator?

I think it depends on how the functions are presented and how complicated they are. If they are given in factored form, then it's useful to be able to graph them. If they are not given in factored form it would be difficult or even impossible (in the case of some 5th degree polynomials) to find the exact values of the x-intercepts.

 

[Martin Zhao]

For the senior high students, do you suggest them getting a graphing calculator in class?

 

[micromass]

For the senior high students, do you suggest them getting a graphing calculator in class?

I have never used a graphing calculator in my life and I never needed it. So unless your teacher specifically told you that you need one for class, I wouldn't bother.

 

[CellCoree]

I believe that mastering the ability to graph quartic and quintic functions without a calculator is an important skill for students in pre-calculus 12. While graphing calculators can be a helpful tool for solving complex equations, they should not be relied upon as the sole method of problem-solving.

The ability to graph quartic and quintic functions by hand demonstrates a deep understanding of mathematical concepts and allows students to visualize and analyze these functions in a more meaningful way. It also helps develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, which are essential for success in higher-level math and science courses.

Furthermore, in real-world applications, graphing calculators may not always be available or may not be able to accurately represent the behavior of these functions. By mastering the ability to graph quartic and quintic functions without a calculator, students will be better equipped to handle these situations and solve problems independently.

In conclusion, while graphing calculators can be a useful tool, it is important for students to also develop the ability to graph quartic and quintic functions by hand. This will not only enhance their understanding of mathematical concepts, but also prepare them for future academic and professional endeavors.