EngageNY
Representing, Naming, and Evaluating Functions (Part 2)
Notation in mathematics can be intimidating. Use this activity 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....
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...
EngageNY
Function Composition
Combine functions for the first time. Pupils investigate composition of functions using a function table and then function machines in the 17th installment in a 23-part Precalculus series. Scholars learn the two notations for composition...
West Contra Costa Unified School District
Introduction to Inverse Functions
Ready to share the beauty of the inverse function with your classes? This algebra II lesson guides the discovery of an inverse function through a numerical, graphical, and an algebraic approach. Connections are made between the three,...
EngageNY
Representing, Naming, and Evaluating Functions (Part 1)
Begin the discussion of domain and range using something familiar. Before introducing numbers, the lesson plan uses words to explore the idea of input and outputs and addresses the concept of a function along with domain and range.
EngageNY
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...
EngageNY
Solving Problems by Function Composition
Stay composed while solving problems. Learners put their knowledge of compositions to solve problems. To connect with the concept, scholars compose equations to answer questions from real-world situations. Finally, pupils practice using...
EngageNY
Restricting the Domain
But what if the function cannot be inverted? Pupils continue to work with inverses of functions using tables, graphs, and algebraic equations. They restrict the domain of non-invertible functions to make them invertible. Using...
Howard County Schools
Drawing Inverses
An Algebra II lesson draws the connection between the exponential function and its inverse. By graphing an exponential function and using tables and a calculator, students graph the logarithmic function. The plan comes with a launch,...
Curated OER
Your Father
Your learners will explore the idea that not all functions have real numbers as domain and range values as seen in this real-life context. Secondly, the characteristics required for a function to have an inverse are explored including...
Virginia Department of Education
Exponential Modeling
Investigate exponential growth and decay. A set of six activities has pupils collecting and researching data in a variety of situations involving exponential relationships. They model these situations with exponential functions and solve...
Virginia Department of Education
Logarithmic Modeling
Explore logarithms and logarithmic regression. Young mathematicians first learn about inverse functions and about the logarithm function family. They take their newfound knowledge to use logarithmic functions to model situations and...
Virginia Department of Education
Linear Modeling
An inquiry-based algebra lesson explores real-world applications of linear functions. Scholars investigate four different situations that can be modeled by linear functions, identifying the rate of change, as well as the strength and...
EngageNY
Basic Trigonometric Identities from Graphs
Have young mathematicians create new identities! They explore the even/odd, cofunction, and periodicity identities through an analysis of tables and graph. Next, learners discover the relationships while strengthening their understanding...
NASA
Weightless Wonder
A video of the weightless wonder provides a setting for the math to follow. Groups analyze the graph of a quadratic function that models the path of the C-9 as it gives astronauts the experience of weightlessness. Using a graphing...
Curated OER
The Random Walk
Deep mathematical thinking is found with just a coin and a number line. Combining computing some probabilities in a discrete situation, and the interpretation of a function, this simple task gives learners a lot to think about on their...
NASA
Earth, Can You Hear Me Now?
How long did you say? Class groups plot the distances between Earth and Mars and determine the trigonometric function that models the data. Using a calculator, they graph the function to determine when the distance and communication...
NASA
Ascent: 50 Seconds to MECO
All systems go! With a video and a Google Earth tour as background, pairs investigate two graphs. The graphs display acceleration vs. time and velocity vs. time of a space shuttle launch. Using graphing calculators, the pairs take a...
Curated OER
Rainbows, Bridges & Weather, Oh My!
Explore how real-world applications can be parabolic in nature and how to find quadratic functions that best fit data. A number of different examples of modeling parabolas are explored including a student scavenger hunt, the exploration...
King County
Reproductive System
It's every health and science teacher's favorite subject to cover: the reproductive system. This comprehensive lesson introduces adolescents to the reproductive anatomy of men and women with the help of a series of diagrams, discussions,...