Illustrative Mathematics
Introduction to Linear Functions
Introduce your algebra learners to linear and quadratic functions. Learners compare the differences and relate them back to the equations and graphs. Lead your class to discussions on the properties of a function or a constant slope...
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Instantaneous Rate of Change of a Function
Pupils draw the graph of a door opening and closing over time. They graph a given function on their calculators, create a table of values and interpret the results by telling if the door is opening or closing and evaluate the average...
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Representing, Naming, and Evaluating Functions (Part 2)
Notation in mathematics can be intimidating. Use this lesson to expose pupils to the various ways of representing a function and the accompanying notation. The material also addresses the importance of including a domain if necessary....
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Tangent Lines and the Tangent Function
Construct tangent lines and make the connection to tangent functions. An informative lesson reviews the geometry origins of the tangent function. Pupils use that information to determine how to construct a tangent to a circle from a...
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Inverse Trigonometric Functions
Build on the understanding of finding angles using trigonometric ratios. Pupils develop the definitions of inverse trigonometric functions by restricting their domains in the 13th instructional activity of a 16-part series. They use...
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Formal Definition of a Function
Formalize the notion of a function. Scholars continue their exploration of functions in the second lesson of the module. They consider functions as input-output machines and develop function rules for selected functions.
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Four Interesting Transformations of Functions (Part 4)
What do you get when you cross piecewise functions with transformations? An engaging lesson! The conclusion of a four-part series on the transformations of functions asks class members to apply transformations to piecewise functions...
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Graphing the Logarithmic Function
Teach collaboration and communication skills in addition to graphing logarithmic functions. Scholars in different groups graph different logarithmic functions by hand using provided coordinate points. These graphs provide the basis for...
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More Examples of Functions
Discrete or not discrete? Individuals learn about the difference between discrete and non-discrete functions in the fourth installment of a 12-part module. They classify some examples of functions as being either discrete or non-discrete.
Illustrative Mathematics
Function Rules
Function machines are a great way to introduce the topic of functions to your class. Here, you will explore the input and output to functions both using numerical and non-numerical data. Learners are encouraged to play with different...
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A Sum of Functions
Collaborative learners will see the geometric addition of functions by graphing the sum of two graphed curves on the same coordinate plane. This task then naturally flows into giving learners the algebraic representation of the curves...
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Functions
Fifth graders explore mathematics functions. In this functions lesson plan, 5th graders explore 1 and 2-step functions involving addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Students also practice solving problems that their...
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The Graph of the Natural Logarithm Function
If two is company and three's a crowd, then what's e? Scholars observe how changes in the base affect the graph of a logarithmic function. They then graph the natural logarithm function and learn that all logarithmic functions can be...
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The Graph of a Function
Mathematics set notation can be represented through a computer program loop. Making the connection to a computer program loop helps pupils see the process that set notation describes. The activity allows for different types domain and...
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Graphs of Linear Functions and Rate of Change
Discover an important property of linear functions. Learners use the slope formula to calculate the rates of change of linear functions. They find that linear functions have constant rates of change and use this property to determine if...
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Graphs of Exponential Functions and Logarithmic Functions
Graphing by hand does have its advantages. The 19th installment of a 35-part module prompts pupils to use skills from previous lessons to graph exponential and logarithmic functions. They reflect each function type over a diagonal line...
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The Inverse Relationship Between Logarithmic and Exponential Functions
Introducing inverse functions! The 20th installment of a 35-part lesson encourages scholars to learn the definition of inverse functions and how to find them. The lesson considers all types of functions, not just exponential and...
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Graphs of Simple Nonlinear Functions
Time to move on to nonlinear functions. Scholars create input/output tables and use these to graph simple nonlinear functions. They calculate rates of change to distinguish between linear and nonlinear functions.
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Increasing and Decreasing Functions 1
Model situations with graphs. In the fourth installment of a 16-part module, scholars learn to qualitatively analyze graphs of piecewise linear functions in context. They learn to sketch graphs for different situations.
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Matchstick Math: Using Manipulatives to Model Linear, Quadratic, and Exponential Functions
Playing with matches (unlit, of course) becomes an engaging learning experience in this fun instructional unit. Teach pupils how to apply properties of exponential functions to solve problems. They differentiate between quadratic and...
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Graphing the Tangent Function
Help learners discover the unique characteristics of the tangent function. Working in teams, pupils create tables of values for different intervals of the tangent function. Through teamwork, they discover the periodicity, frequency, and...
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The “WhatPower” Function
The Function That Shall Not Be Named? The eighth installment of a 35-part module uses a WhatPower function to introduce scholars to the concept of a logarithmic function without actually naming the function. Once pupils are comfortable...
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Translating Graphs of Functions
If you know one, you know them all! Parent functions all handle translations the same. This lesson examines the quadratic, absolute value, and square root functions. Pupils discover the similarities in the behavior of the graphs when...
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Stretching and Shrinking Graphs of Functions
Why is that graph wider? Pupils learn about stretching and shrinking graphs of square root, absolute value, cubic, and quadratic functions. They study both vertical and horizontal stretches and shrinks in addition to reflections.