Inside Mathematics
Conference Tables
Pupils analyze a pattern of conference tables to determine the number of tables needed and the number of people that can be seated for a given size. Individuals develop general formulas for the two growing number patterns and...
Kenan Fellows
Math Made Simple as 1-2-3: Simplified Educational Approach to Algebra
Writing an equation of a line is as easy as m and b. A lesson presentation gives individuals different strategies for writing equations of lines. Some items provide a slope and a point while others provide two points. Whatever the given,...
Curated OER
Modeling: Having Kittens
Cats can't add, but they do multiply! Determine the number of descendants of a single cat given specific facts about cats and kittens. The lesson focuses on developing strategies for problem solving using both individual and group work....
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Modeling Relationships with a Line
What linear equation will fit this data, and how close is it? Through discussion and partner work, young mathematicians learn the procedure to determine a regression line in order to make predictions from the data.
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Analyzing Residuals (Part 2)
Learn about patterns in residual plots with an informative math activity. Two examples make connections between the appearance of a residual plot and whether a linear model is the best model apparent. The problem set and exit ticket...
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Interpreting Correlation
Is 0.56 stronger than -0.78? Interpret the correlation coefficient as the strength and direction of a linear relationship between two variables. An algebra lesson introduces the correlation coefficient by estimating and then...
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The Special Role of Zero in Factoring
Use everything you know about quadratic equations to solve polynomial equations! Learners apply the Zero Product Property to factor and solve polynomial equations. They make a direct connection to methods they have used with quadratic...
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Linear Systems in Three Variables
Put all that algebra learning to use! Using algebraic strategies, learners solve three-variable systems. They then use the three-variable systems to write a quadratic equation given three points on the parabola.
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Analyzing a Verbal Description
What function will describe the insect population growth? Pairs or small groups work together to determine which type of function and specific function will model given scenarios. The scenarios differentiate between linear,...
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Analyzing a Data Set
Through discussions and journaling, classmates determine methods to associate types of functions with data presented in a table. Small groups then work with examples and exercises to refine their methods and find functions that work...
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Proving Trigonometric Identities
Young mathematicians first learn the basics of proving trigonometric identities. They then practice this skill on several examples.
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Sampling Variability in the Sample Proportion (part 2)
Increase your sample and increase your accuracy! Scholars complete an activity that compares sample size to variability in results. Learners realize that the greater the sample size, the smaller the range in the distribution of sample...
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Irrational Exponents—What are 2^√2 and 2^π?
Extend the concept of exponents to irrational numbers. In the fifth installment of a 35-part module, individuals use calculators and rational exponents to estimate the values of 2^(sqrt(2)) and 2^(pi). The final goal is to show that the...
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The “WhatPower” Function
The Function That Shall Not Be Named? The eighth installment of a 35-part module uses a WhatPower function to introduce scholars to the concept of a logarithmic function without actually naming the function. Once pupils are...
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Piecewise and Step Functions in Context
Looking for an application for step functions? This activity uses real data to examine piecewise step functions. Groups create a list of data from varying scenarios and create a model to use to make recommendations to increase...
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Multiplying and Factoring Polynomial Expressions (part 2)
If you can multiply binomials, you can factor trinomials! This is the premise for a lesson on factoring. Pupils look for patterns in the binomials they multiply and apply them in reverse. Examples include leading coefficients of one...
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Building Logarithmic Tables
Thank goodness we have calculators to compute logarithms. Pupils use calculators to create logarithmic tables to estimate values and use these tables to discover patterns (properties). The second half of the lesson has scholars use given...
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The Most Important Property of Logarithms
Won't the other properties be sad to learn that they're not the most important? The 11th installment of a 35-part module is essentially a continuation of the previous lesson, using logarithm tables to develop properties. Scholars...
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Changing the Base
I can't calculate a base-2 logarithm since my calculator doesn't have a base-2 log key. Young mathematicians use the change of base formula to extend the properties of logarithms to all bases. Among these bases is the natural log base,...
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Wishful Thinking—Does Linearity Hold? (Part 1)
Not all linear functions are linear transformations — show your class the difference. The first lesson in a unit on linear transformations and complex numbers that spans 32 segments introduces the concept of linear transformations and...
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When Can We Reverse a Transformation? 1
Wait, let's start over — teach your class how to return to the beginning. The first lesson looking at inverse matrices introduces the concept of being able to undo a matrix transformation. Learners work with matrices with a determinant...
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Projecting a 3-D Object onto a 2-D Plane
Teach how graphic designers can use mathematics to represent three-dimensional movement on a two-dimensional television surface. Pupils use matrices, vectors, and transformations to model rotational movement. Their exploration involves...
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Solving Quadratic Equations by Completing the Square
Many learners find completing the square the preferred approach to solving quadratic equations. Class members combine their skills of using square roots to solve quadratics and completing the square. The resource incorporates a...
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Making Fair Decisions
Life's not fair, but decisions can be. The 17th installment of a 21-part module teaches learners about fair decisions. They use simulations to develop strategies to make fair decisions.