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
The Height and Co-Height Functions of a Ferris Wheel
Show learners the power of mathematics as they model real-life designs. Pupils graph a periodic function by comparing the degree of rotation to the height of a ferris wheel.
EngageNY
Writing the Equation for a Circle
Circles aren't functions, so how is it possible to write the equation for a circle? Pupils first develop the equation of a circle through application of the Pythagorean Theorem. The lesson plan then provides an exercise set for learners...
EngageNY
Graphing the Sine and Cosine Functions
Doing is more effective than watching. Learners use spaghetti to discover the relationship between the unit circle and the graph of the sine and cosine functions. As they measure lengths on the unit circle and transfer them to a...
Project Maths
Trigonometric Functions
From a circle to a cycle! The final activity of a five-part series challenges learners to use points from the unit circle to plot a repeating pattern. The repeating patterns become the graphs of the trigonometric functions. Scholars...
Texas Instruments
Drawing a Line Tangent to a Circle
Explore lines tangent to a circle. In this math lesson plan, students manipulate circles and lines on a TI calculator. They draw a circle and analyze perpendicular lines intersecting the circle in only one place. This activity...
Mathematics Assessment Project
Sorting Equations of Circles 2
How much can you tell about a circle from its equation? This detailed lesson plan focuses on connecting equations and graphs of circles. Learners use equations to identify x- and y-intercepts, centers, and radii of circles. They also...
Mathematics Vision Project
Module 6: Trigonometric Functions
Create trigonometric functions from circles. The first lesson of the module begins by finding coordinates along a circular path created by a Ferris Wheel. As the lessons progress, pupils graph trigonometric functions and relate them to...
Virginia Department of Education
Nonlinear Systems of Equations
Explore nonlinear systems through graphs and algebra. High schoolers begin by examining the different types of quadratic functions and their possible intersections. They then use algebraic methods to solve systems containing various...
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....
Curated OER
Graphs of the OTHER Trig Functions
Students graph trigonometric functions. In this precalculus lesson, students identify the properties of secant ,cosecant and cotangent. They use the unit circle as their formula to graph and analyze these functions.
Virginia Department of Education
Solving and Graphing Inequalities
You can't go wrong with a lesson that involves candy! Learners solve and graph one-variable inequalities and use candy to graph the solution. Individuals associate open circle graphs with life savers and closed circle graphs with round...
EngageNY
Secant and the Co-Functions
Turn your class upside down as they explore the reciprocal functions. Scholars use the unit circle to develop the definition of the secant and cosecant functions. They analyze the domain, range, and end behavior of each function.
EngageNY
Ferris Wheels—Using Trigonometric Functions to Model Cyclical Behavior
Have class members going in circles as they model the path of a Ferris Wheel using trigonometric functions. Building on the previous lesson in this series on transformations, learners use trigonometric functions to model wheels of...
Curated OER
Construction Circles
Pupils investigate the number of points needed to determine a unique circle in a plane. Using Cabri Jr., they apply construction techniques to generate a circle that passes through a given number of points.
EngageNY
Comparing Quadratic, Square Root, and Cube Root Functions Represented in Different Ways
Need a real scenario to compare functions? This activity has it all! Through application, individuals model using different types of functions. They analyze each in terms of the context using the key features of the graphs.
EngageNY
Why Call It Tangent?
Discover the relationship between tangent lines and the tangent function. Class members develop the idea of the tangent function using the unit circle. They create tables of values and explore the domain, range, and end behavior of...
101 Questions
Ferris Wheel
Around and around you'll go! Learners analyze the periodic nature of a Ferris wheel. Using a trigonometric function, they make predictions about the location of a specific car at the end of the ride and its total trips around the circle.
EngageNY
Solution Sets to Inequalities with Two Variables
What better way to learn graphing inequalities than through discovering your own method! Class members use a discovery approach to finding solutions to inequalities by following steps that lead them through the process and...
Curated OER
Relations and Functions
High schoolers differentiate between a relation and a function. In this algebra instructional activity, students identify a pair of coordinates as being a relation or a function. They analyze graphs for function as they solve word problems.
EngageNY
Awkward! Who Chose the Number 360, Anyway?
Don't give your classes the third degree. Use radians instead! While working with degrees, learners find that they are not efficient and explore radians as an alternative. They convert between the two measures and use radians with the...
Curated OER
Triangles Inscribed in a Circle
Are you tired of answers without understanding? Learners can give a correct response, but do they really understand the concept? Have young mathematicians think deeper about linear functions, angles, and formulas in algebra....
Texas Instruments
Exploring Tangents
Explore the concept of tangent lines. In this tangent line lesson, learners graph a circle and two lines on their graphing calculator using Cabri Jr. High schoolers construct the lines so that they both intersect at a given point and are...
Alabama Learning Exchange
Technology for Displaying Trigonometric Graph Behavior: Sine and Cosine
Students explore the concept of sine and cosine. In this sine and cosine lesson, students work in groups to graph sine and cosine functions. Students examine how coefficients in various parts of each parent function shift the...