3.-

Did you know that the function is a quadratic equation? Quadratics can be found in real life, like when calculating the trajectory of a ball! As the ball ascends and descends, its height can be modeled by a quadratic function, helping players better understand the ideal angle and force to use for the perfect throw.

When working with quadratic equations, one common mistake is forgetting to apply the order of operations correctly. Always evaluate the exponent before multiplication or addition—like ensuring you square before multiplying it by . This is crucial for finding accurate values of the function for different values!