EngageNY
The Binomial Theorem
Sometimes, there is a better way. Scholars develop Pascal's triangle as a method to arrive at the coefficients of binomial expansions as an easier method to expand binomials. The learners connect the formula for binomial coefficients to...
Rice University
Precalculus
Take a step beyond Algebra 2. Learners use the eBook to learn concepts from the typical Precalculus course. Content starts off with a short review of functions in general and moves on to the basic functions, finishing up with more...
Concord Consortium
Sine Solution
How many times can eager mathematicians catch the waves? Pupils find the solutions of three different trigonometric equations. They then determine the effect of the slope of a line that intersects a trigonometric function and the number...
Concord Consortium
Rational and Not So Rational Functions
Do not cross the line while graphing. Provided with several coordinate axes along with asymptotes, pupils determine two functions that will fit the given restrictions. Scholars then determine other geometrical relationships of asymptotes...
Concord Consortium
Painted Stage
Find the area as it slides. Pupils derive an equation to find the painted area of a section of a trapezoidal-shaped stage The section depends upon the sliding distance the edge of the painted section is from a vertex of the trapezoid....
PHET
Vector Addition
Model vector addition graphically. A simple interactive has users add vectors and adjust the lengths and angles of the vectors. The interactive automatically updates the magnitude, angle, and components of the sum.
PHET
Trig Tour
Unit circles and trigonometric graphs go hand in hand. Pupils see how traversing the unit circle allows for the creation of graphs for trigonometric functions. They also see trigonometric ratios in terms of the ordered pairs of points on...
Concord Consortium
Broken Spreadsheet II
Work in reverse with the product becoming the given. Using a spreadsheet image of the graph of a trigonometric function, young scholars investigate methods of creating spreadsheet data that results in the given graph. The catch? The data...
Concord Consortium
Defining Logarithms
An inverse relationship exists between exponents and logarithms, allowing mathematicians to easily convert one to the other. Scholars apply a brief definition of logarithms with a few practice problems. Then, they discover the...
Concord Consortium
Here Comes the Sun
Many phenomena in life are periodic in nature. A task-based lesson asks scholars to explore one of these phenomena. They collect data showing the sunrise time of a specific location over the period of a year. Using the data, they create...
Concord Consortium
Going Up
Going on up—and up and up! An open-ended task asks learners to model the movement of an amusement ride with parametric equations. They then analyze their equations to determine how the shadow of the ride's car moves as it rises at a...
Concord Consortium
Functions by the Slice
Piece by piece ... dismantling a function can highlight interesting patterns. The task asks learners to slice functions in sections with the same vertical change. They then recreate the graph with these slices positioned horizontally....
Concord Consortium
Spinning an Old Record
Take a trip back in time to examine angular velocity. Using the revolutions per minute, learners calculate the speed of a point on a 33 record. They compare the speed of a point on the edge of the record to the speed of a point closer to...
Concord Consortium
An Algebraic Oversight
Tackle a common misconception using a performance task. Dividing by a variable to eliminate a variable may seem like a good idea, but simplifying the variable eliminates solutions as well. Learners develop algebraic and graphical support...
Concord Consortium
Betweenness V
Take a unique approach to study the graphing of trigonometric functions. Young scholars consider two sine functions and write three functions that will lie between the two given. They use a graphing utility to assist in their explorations.
Concord Consortium
A Monosignic Function
Complex fractions and trigonometric expressions combine to create a challenging task ... as if they aren't challenging enough on their own! The task challenges individuals to consider the range of possible values when substituting in the...
Project Maths
Introduction to e
First there was pi and now there's e. A discovery-based lesson plan helps learners find a pattern in compound interest as the compounding period changes. Their investigation results in the discovery of the number e. The lesson plan is...
Kenan Fellows
Attack of the Aphids!
Insects threaten the food production industry, and aphids are one of the big players! Analyzing data of aphid populations gives insight into their behaviors. Learners model the population data of an uninhibited population with an...
101 Questions
Scrambler
Unscramble a carnival mystery! Scholars observe a video of an overhead view of a carnival ride, The Scrambler. They then must determine mathematically where a specific car will stop after a certain amount of time.
National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
Tidal Waves
Periodically ship the class a trigonometric application. Pupils model the level of water in a port. Using their models, learners determine the times that a ship can safely navigate into and out of the port, along with determining other...
Alabama Learning Exchange
Building Functions: Composition of Functions
Hammer away at building different types of functions. An engaging lesson builds on learners' knowledge of domain and range to create an understanding of composite functions. Young scholars learn to write composite functions from various...
Alabama Learning Exchange
Triangle Area: No Height? Use the Sine
No height? No problem! Learners use their knowledge and a little help from GeoGebra to develop the Law of Sines formula. The Law of Sines helps to determine the height of triangles to calculate the area.
Alabama Learning Exchange
Building Functions: Inverse Functions from Tables and Graphs
Is the inverse a function? Scholars learn how to examine a function to answer this question. Using an online interactive, they examine the properties of inverse functions to compare to the original function.
Alabama Learning Exchange
Unit Circle: Special Angles—Just Know One
It's all about the patterns! Young scholars learn that the unit circle repeats itself in all four quadrants. Using these patterns, they evaluate the sine, cosine, and tangent of special angles.