The purpose of this task is to introduce students to exponential growth. …
The purpose of this task is to introduce students to exponential growth. While the context presents a classic example of exponential growth, it approaches it from a non-standard point of view. Instead of giving a starting value and asking for subsequent values, it gives an end value and asks about what happened in the past. The simple first question can generate a surprisingly lively discussion as students often think that the algae will grow linearly.
The learning of linear functions is pervasive in most algebra classrooms. Linear …
The learning of linear functions is pervasive in most algebra classrooms. Linear functions are vital in laying the foundation for understanding the concept of modeling. This unit gives students the opportunity to make use of linear models in order to make predictions based on real-world data, and see how engineers address incredible and important design challenges through the use of linear modeling. Student groups act as engineering teams by conducting experiments to collect data and model the relationship between the wall thickness of the latex tubes and their corresponding strength under pressure (to the point of explosion). Students learn to graph variables with linear relationships and use collected data from their designed experiment to make important decisions regarding the feasibility of hydraulic systems in hybrid vehicles and the necessary tube size to make it viable.
This task requires students to use the fact that on the graph …
This task requires students to use the fact that on the graph of the linear function h(x)=ax+b, the y-coordinate increases by a when x increases by one. Specific values for a and b were left out intentionally to encourage students to use the above fact as opposed to computing the point of intersection, (p,q), and then computing respective function values to answer the question.
This task gives a variet of real-life contexts which could be modeled …
This task gives a variet of real-life contexts which could be modeled by a linear or exponential function. The key distinguishing feature between the two is whether the change by equal factors over equal intervals (exponential functions), or by a constant increase per unit interval (linear functions).
This problem introduces a logistic growth model in the concrete setting of …
This problem introduces a logistic growth model in the concrete setting of estimating the population of the U.S. The model gives a surprisingly accurate estimate and this should be contrasted with linear and exponential models, studied in ``U.S. Population 1790-1860.'' This task requires students to interpret data presented.
This task addresses the first part of standard F-BF.3: ŇIdentify the effect …
This task addresses the first part of standard F-BF.3: ŇIdentify the effect on the graph of replacing f(x) by f(x)+k, kf(x), f(kx), and f(x+k) for specific values of k (both positive and negative).Ó Here, students are required to understand the effect of replacing x with x+k, but this task can also be modified to test or teach function-building skills involving f(x)+k, kf(x), and f(kx) in a similar manner.
First of two-term sequence on modeling, analysis and control of dynamic systems. …
First of two-term sequence on modeling, analysis and control of dynamic systems. Mechanical translation, uniaxial rotation, electrical circuits and their coupling via levers, gears and electro-mechanical devices. Analytical and computational solution of linear differential equations and state-determined systems. Laplace transforms, transfer functions. Frequency response, Bode plots. Vibrations, modal analysis. Open- and closed-loop control, instability. Time-domain controller design, introduction to frequency-domain control design techniques. Case studies of engineering applications.
The primary purpose of this task is to elicit common misconceptions that …
The primary purpose of this task is to elicit common misconceptions that arise when students try to model situations with linear functions. This task, being multiple choice, could also serve as a quick assessment to gauge a class' understanding of modeling with linear functions.
The coffee cooling experiment is a popular example of an exponential model …
The coffee cooling experiment is a popular example of an exponential model with immediate appeal. The model is realistic and provides a good context for students to practice work with exponential equations.
The primary purpose of this task is to illustrate that the domain …
The primary purpose of this task is to illustrate that the domain of a function is a property of the function in a specific context and not a property of the formula that represents the function. Similarly, the range of a function arises from the domain by applying the function rule to the input values in the domain. A second purpose would be to illicit and clarify a common misconception, that the domain and range are properties of the formula that represent a function.
This task assumes students have an understanding of the relationship between functions …
This task assumes students have an understanding of the relationship between functions and equations. Using this knowledge, the students are prompted to try to solve equations in order to find the inverse of a function given in equation form: when no such solution is possible, this means that the function does not have an inverse.
The purpose of this task is to investigate the meaning of the …
The purpose of this task is to investigate the meaning of the definition of function in a real-world context where the question of whether there is more than one output for a given input arises naturally. In more advanced courses this task could be used to investigate the question of whether a function has an inverse.
This task is designed to get at a common student confusion between …
This task is designed to get at a common student confusion between the independent and dependent variables. This confusion often arises in situations like (b), where students are asked to solve an equation involving a function, and confuse that operation with evaluating the function.
In this task students construct and compare linear and exponential functions and …
In this task students construct and compare linear and exponential functions and find where the two functions intersect. One purpose of this task is to demonstrate that exponential functions grow faster than linear functions even if the linear function has a higher initial value and even if we increase the slope of the line. This task could be used as an introduction to this idea.
In this lesson, through various examples and activities, exponential growth and polynomial …
In this lesson, through various examples and activities, exponential growth and polynomial growth are compared to develop an insight about how quickly the number can grow or decay in exponentials. A basic knowledge of scientific notation, plotting graphs and finding intersection of two functions is assumed.
This course will cover families of functions, their properties, graphs and applications. …
This course will cover families of functions, their properties, graphs and applications. These functions include: polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic functions and combinations of these. We will solve related equations and inequalities and conduct data analysis, introductory mathematical modeling and develop competency with a graphing calculator.Login: guest_oclPassword: ocl
In this task students are asked to analyze a function and its …
In this task students are asked to analyze a function and its inverse when the function is given as a table of values. In addition to finding values of the inverse function from the table, they also have to explain why the given function is invertible.
This task requires interpreting a function in a non-standard context. While the …
This task requires interpreting a function in a non-standard context. While the domain and range of this function are both numbers, the way in which the function is determined is not via a formula but by a (pre-determined) sequence of coin flips. In addition, the task provides an opportunity to compute some probabilities in a discrete situation.
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