Illustrative Mathematics
Exploring Sinusoidal Functions
What effect does changing a parameter have on the graph of a trigonometric function? Pupils use a Desmos applet to explore the general sine graph. They experiment changing different parameters and record the resulting change of the...
Illustrative Mathematics
Bank Account Balance
Represent the ups and downs of a bank account. The two-part task points out that some types of graphs may better show discrete functions than others. Pupils analyze a graph on how well it represents the situation. They develop their own...
Illustrative Mathematics
Identifying Quadratic Functions (Vertex Form)
Pupils calculate the equation of a quadratic in vertex form from a specific graph and determine an equation that would fit the description of a parabola. The final question determines the individuals' understanding of the signs of the...
EngageNY
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.
EngageNY
End-of-Module Assessment Task: Grade 8 Module 5
Give your class a chance to show how much they've learned in the module with an end-of-module assessment task that covers all topics from the module including linear and non-linear functions and volumes of cones, cylinders, and spheres.
Balanced Assessment
Pizza Toppings
Pupils work with a pizza shop's menu to determine the total number of pizzas possible from their ingredient list, how much the pizzas would cost, and how long it would take to eat all of them. The assessment concludes by having scholars...
Balanced Assessment
All Aboard
Pupils must graph the location of a train using the time given a timetable. They analyze the different legs of the trip, graph the return trip, and compare the two graphs. The lesson ends with a discussion of similarities and differences...
Balanced Assessment
Postcards from the Falls
Pupils use graphs to analyze two pricing schemes for postcards. After determining which is the best deal, individuals determine what is wrong with the other pricing structures and explain their thinking.
EngageNY
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.
Balanced Assessment
Books from Andonov
To examine mathematical functions in a modeling situation pupils combine quadratic and step functions to represent a presented scenario. They both graph and write a function to represent data shown in a table.
Balanced Assessment
Getting Closer
Flip the script! Reverse the situation and ask the class to find the function given asymptotes. The task requires class members to use their knowledge of functions and asymptotes to create functions that have a given asymptote or...
Balanced Assessment
Catenary
Develop a model for a hanging chain. Pupils find a mathematical model for a hanging chain and then they compare their models to the precise function that models the curve. Scholars come up with a strategy to determine how close their...
Balanced Assessment
A Run for Two
Develop a graph to represent the distance between two cars. The assessment task presents a scenario in which two cars are traveling at constant speeds with one faster than the other. Pupils develop graphical representations to show the...
Inside Mathematics
Sorting Functions
Graph A goes with equation C, but table B. The short assessment task requires class members to match graphs with their corresponding tables, equations, and verbalized rules. Pupils then provide explanations on the process they used to...
Inside Mathematics
Graphs (2004)
Show your pupils that perimeter is linear and area is quadratic in nature with a short assessment task that requests learners to connect the graph and equation to a description about perimeter or area. Scholars then provide a...
Balanced Assessment
Writing and Sketching Resource
Picture this—the class creates pictures using functions. Here, learners build functions to model specific graphic criteria. They use their knowledge of parent functions and transformations to create the perfect function.
Inside Mathematics
Functions
A function is like a machine that has an input and an output. Challenge scholars to look at the eight given points and determine the two functions that would fit four of the points each — one is linear and the other non-linear. The...
Mathematics Vision Project
Module 2: Logarithmic Functions
Build a solid understanding of logarithmic functions and equations. Five lessons in the module begin by developing the concept of a logarithm. The next lessons address graphing logarithmic functions, logarithmic properties, and solving...
EngageNY
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...
EngageNY
Transformations of the Graphs of Logarithmic and Exponential Functions
Transform your lesson on transformations. Scholars investigate transformations, with particular emphasis on translations and dilations of the graphs of logarithmic and exponential functions. As part of this investigation, they examine...
EngageNY
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...
California Mathematics Project
Viral Marketing
Math's gone viral—in the form of an exponential function! The activity uses an exponential function to model the growth of a marketing strategy. Learners create a table of values to observe the pattern in the numbers and then model the...
Mathematics Vision Project
Module 7: Modeling with Functions
The sky's the limit of what you create when combining functions! The module begins with a review of transformations of parent functions and then moves to combining different function types using addition, subtraction, and multiplication....
West Contra Costa Unified School District
Graphing Family of Functions
Functions have families, too. Learners first graph the parent functions for linear, quadratic, and cubic functions, and then use vertical translations to graph families of functions.