Inside Mathematics
Two Solutions
Many problems in life have more than one possible solution, and the same is true for advanced mathematics. Scholars solve seven problems that all have at least two solutions. Then three higher-level thinking questions challenge them to...
Curated OER
Symmetry of the Addition Table
Help your class discover the commutative property of addition with this exploration of the addition table. By folding and coloring the table, a symmetry is found that directs students to an understanding of this crucial mathematical...
College Board
2016 AP® Physics 2: Algebra-Based Free-Response Questions
While AP Physics 1 counts as an introductory college Physics course, AP Physics 2 counts as a second-year college Physics course. Help scholars prepare for this more advanced college-level test with questions from previous assessments...
Illustrative Mathematics
Slopes and Circles
An upper-level treatment of what is often presented as a basic concept (the right angle of an inscribed circle on the diameter), this activity really elevates the mathematical thought of the learner! Expected to develop formulas...
EngageNY
End-of-Module Assessment Task — Precalculus (Module 1)
A transformational assessment determines how far pupils are advancing toward mastering complex and matrix standards. The assessment checks the learners' understanding of linear transformations, complex numbers and the complex plane,...
Curated OER
Mathemafish Population
It's shark week! In this problem, young mathematically minded marine biologists need to study the fish population by analyzing data over time. The emphasis is on understanding the average rate of change of the population and drawing...
Curated OER
Alex, Mel, and Chelsea Play a Game
This short probability question may look simple at first, but it is actually quite complex! Learners must understand independent events in context and must take into account several different scenarios. Use as an individual assignment...
Balanced Assessment
Egyptian Statue
Investigate the proportional relationships of length, area, and volume. Learners use the dimensions of rectangular prisms to create ratios and proportions. They compare the different ratios to solve more advanced problems.
Concord Consortium
Adding the Sines
It's a sign! Scholars analyze sine functions for patterns in their periods. The exploration advances beyond a simple function to the combination of two functions with even and odd coefficients. Their goal is to find a pattern between the...
Illustrative Mathematics
What’s Missing?
Now you see them, now you don't! This fun peek-a-boo activity engages young mathematicians in developing their ability to compose and decompose numbers. After being presented with a series of counters, children close their eyes while the...
Concord Consortium
Summertopia
What if the unit of money changes tomorrow? Would you be prepared? Learners calculate currency conversions using fictional units of money. The fictional unit's base is 60 rather than 100, which can connect to time or even degrees.
EngageNY
Properties of Trigonometric Functions
Given a value of one trigonometric function, it is easy to determine others. Learners use the periodicity of trigonometric functions to develop properties. After studying the graphs of sine, cosine, and tangent, the lesson connects...
EngageNY
Modeling with Inverse Trigonometric Functions 1
Where should I stand to get the best view? Pupils use inverse trigonometric functions to determine the horizontal distance from an object to get the best view. They round out the instructional activity by interpreting their answers...
EngageNY
Complex Numbers as Vectors
Show your math class how to use vectors in adding complex numbers. Vectors represent complex numbers as opposed to points in the coordinate plane. The class uses the geometric representation to add and subtract complex numbers and...
EngageNY
Addition and Subtraction Formulas 1
Show budding mathematicans how to find the sine of pi over 12. The third lesson in a series of 16 introduces the addition and subtraction formulas for trigonometric functions. Class members derive the formulas using the distance...
EngageNY
An Area Formula for Triangles
Use a triangle area formula that works when the height is unknown. The eighth installment in a 16-part series on trigonometry revisits the trigonometric triangle area formula that previously was shown to work with the acute triangles....
EngageNY
Inverse Trigonometric Functions
Build on the understanding of finding angles using trigonometric ratios. Pupils develop the definitions of inverse trigonometric functions by restricting their domains in the 13th lesson of a 16-part series. They use inverse functional...
Illustrative Mathematics
Shape Hunt Part 2
Shapes are everywhere in the world around us, from rectangular doors to the circular wheels of a car. The second lesson in this series opens the eyes of young mathematicians to this wonderful world of shapes as they search the classroom,...
CPALMS
Writing an Exponential Function from its Graph
Grow an equation for the exponential graph. Given a graph of an exponential function, class members write the equation of the function provided. The graph labels two points on the graph: the y-intercept and the point where x is one.
Illustrative Mathematics
Chicken and Steak, Variation 2
Many organizations put on barbecues in order to make money. In a real-world math problem, the money allotted to purchase steak and chicken at this barbecue is only one hundred dollars. It is up to your potential chefs to figure out how...
Illustrative Mathematics
Identifying Quadratic Functions
Put your high schoolers to the test and see how well they know their quadratic functions. With excellent thought-provoking questions, learners use what they know about creating quadratic equations based off different pieces of...
Concord Consortium
Betweenness I
Just between us, this is a pretty cool lesson! Given two functions with the same slope, learners write three new functions whose outputs are all between the given functions. The question is open-ended, allowing pupils to explore the...
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...
Illustrative Mathematics
Paper Clip
With minimal setup and maximum freedom, young geometers are encouraged to think outside the box on a seemingly simple application problem. Though the task seems simple, measuring a given paper clip and finding how many 10 meters can...