Up to this point, students have been solving quadratic equations with a slew of strategies. When they begin to solve by graphing, they might be wondering, “Why haven’t we been doing this the entire time?”
What a powerful question that points to how critically students can think!
One way we can productively lean into those questions is by asking another question. Consider replying with, “What would be the advantages and disadvantages of only knowing how to solve quadratic equations by graphing?”
Not every student will feel satisfied with the “answer” to their question, and that’s okay! But by seriously engaging with their question, you are helping your students realize that you value their thoughts. We hope this empowers them to lean into their critical thinking in mathematics and beyond.
