EngageNY
Using Trigonometry to Find Side Lengths of an Acute Triangle
Not all triangles are right! Pupils learn to tackle non-right triangles using the Law of Sines and Law of Cosines. After using the two laws, they then apply them to word problems.
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The Distance from a Point to a Line
What is the fastest way to get from point A to line l? A straight perpendicular line! Learners use what they have learned in the previous lessons in this series and develop a formula for finding the shortest distance from...
EngageNY
Thales’ Theorem
Isn't paper pushing supposed to be boring? Learners attempt a paper-pushing puzzle to develop ideas about angles inscribed on a diameter of a circle. Learners then formalize Thales' theorem and use geometric properties to develop a proof...
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Unknown Length and Area Problems
What is an annulus? Pupils first learn about how to create an annulus, then consider how to find the area of such shapes. They then complete a problem set on arc length and areas of sectors.
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Adding and Subtracting Rational Expressions
There's a fine line between a numerator and a denominator! Learners find common denominators in order to add and subtract rational expressions. Examples include addition, subtraction, and complex fractions.
EngageNY
Factoring Extended to the Complex Realm
A solution will work one way or another: find solutions, or use solutions to find the function. Learners use polynomial identities to factor polynomials with complex solutions. They then use solutions and the Zero Product Property to...
EngageNY
Probability Rules (part 2)
Ensure your pupils are rule followers! Learners add the addition rule to the set of probability rules examined in the previous lesson. Problems require both the multiplication and addition rule.
EngageNY
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...
EngageNY
The Graph of the Natural Logarithm Function
If two is company and three's a crowd, then what's e? Scholars observe how changes in the base affect the graph of a logarithmic function. They then graph the natural logarithm function and learn that all logarithmic functions can be...
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How Do Dilations Map Lines, Rays, and Circles?
Applying a learned technique to a new type of problem is an important skill in mathematics. The lesson plan asks scholars to apply their understanding to analyze dilations of different figures. They make conjectures and conclusions...
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Properties of Area
What properties does area possess? Solidify the area properties that pupils learned in previous years. Groups investigate the five properties using four problems, which then provide the basis for a class discussion.
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The Scaling Principle for Area
As they investigate scaling figures and calculate the resulting areas, groups determine the area of similar figures. They continue to investigate the results when the vertical and horizontal scales are not equal.
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Arcs and Chords
You've investigated relationships between chords, radii, and diameters—now it's time for arcs. Learners investigate relationships between arcs and chords. Learners then prove that congruent chords have congruent arcs, congruent arcs have...
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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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Solving Rational Equations
What do fractions and rational expressions have in common? Everything! Learners use common denominators to solve rational equations. Problems advance from simple to more complex, allowing pupils to fully understand the material before...
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Solving Radical Equations
Learners solve complex radical equations. Solutions vary from one, two, and none, allowing pupils to gain experience solving a variety of problems.
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Are All Parabolas Similar?
Congruence and similarity apply to functions as well as polygons. Learners examine the effects of transformations on the shape of parabolas. They determine the transformation(s) that produce similar and congruent functions.
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Experiments and the Role of Random Assignment
Time to experiment with mathematics! Learners study experimental design and how randomization applies. They emphasize the difference between random selection and random assignment and how both are important to the validation of the...
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Construct an Equilateral Triangle (part 2)
Triangles, triangles, and more triangles! In this second installment of a 36-part series, your young mathematicians explore two increasingly challenging constructions, requiring them to develop a way to construct three triangles that...
EngageNY
Rational Exponents—What are 2^1/2 and 2^1/3?
Are you rooting for your high schoolers to learn about rational exponents? In the third installment of a 35-part module, pupils first learn the meaning of 2^(1/n) by estimating values on the graph of y = 2^x and by using algebraic...
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Why Were Logarithms Developed?
Show your class how people calculated complex math problems in the old days. Scholars take a trip back to the days without calculators in the 15th installment of a 35-part module. They use logarithms to determine products of numbers and...
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Percent Rate of Change
If mathematicians know the secret to compound interest, why aren't more of them rich? Young mathematicians explore compound interest with exponential functions in the twenty-seventh installment of a 35-part module. They calculate future...
Noyce Foundation
Mixing Paints
Let's paint the town equal parts yellow and violet, or simply brown. Pupils calculate the amount of blue and red paint needed to make six quarts of brown paint. Individuals then explain how they determined the percentage of the brown...
Noyce Foundation
Photographs
Scaling needs to be picture perfect. Pupils use proportional reasoning to find the missing dimension of a photo. Class members determine the sizes of paper needed for two configurations of pictures in the short assessment task.