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...

Build upon linear functions to learn about quadratics. The lesson introduces the concept of zeros for quadratic functions and makes the connection to the linear factors of the function. It presents quadratics in both graphical and...

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...

Take your kids on a tour of graphing rational functions. Using this TI instructional activity, high schoolers identify the end behavior of their functions. They find the domain and range, describe end behavior, and look at asymptotes and...

Section 9 of the 12 linked Saxon Math sections introduces the young algebrist to graphing periodic functions, creating graphs from quadratic roots, working with inequalities, and rational equations. Common among all the lessons is the...

What does an exponential pattern look like in real life? After viewing a video of the population growth of bacteria, learners use the real-life scenario to collect data and graph the result. Their conclusion should be a new type of...

Let the graph tell the story! Adding context to graphs allows learners to analyze the key features of the function. They make conclusions about the situation based on the areas the graph is increasing, decreasing, or has a maximum...

What does a slope of 2/3 mean? Develop an understanding of the key features of a linear function. Pupils graph the linear functions and explain the meaning of the slope and intercepts of the graphs. 

Pupils determine equations that match the graphs of transformations and the parent quadratic function. The resource requires class members to attend to precision and think abstractly.

Time for a shift in thinking! Learners examine translations of linear functions. They use function notation to describe the translation and make connections to the graph.

How many points are needed to define a unique parabola? Individuals work with data to answer this question. Ultimately, they determine the quadratic model when given three points. The concept is applied to data from a dropped...

Use paint to teach about cryptography. Scholars explore public key cryptography by attempting to mix a secret color using paint. After the activity, they investigate the Diffie-Hellman method using prime numbers, exponents, and modular...

How do you combine linear and nonlinear functions? You piece them together! The lesson begins by analyzing given linear piecewise functions and then introduces nonlinear parts. Then the process is reversed to create graphs from given...

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.

Scholars model the height of water in a container with an exponential function and apply average rates of change to this function. The main attraction of the lesson is the discovery of Euler's number. 

What goes in must come out! Learners play with a function machine to determine the correct function. They enter input values and watch as the machine produces the output.

Witness the power of exponential growth with an activity that investigates two different savings plans. Class members create tables of values to see how and when a savings plan increasing exponentially exceeds one increasing linearly.

Your algebra learners will enjoy the real-life application of the three tasks presented here. They complete a table and a graph comparing the two options presented. One option is linear, while the other is exponential. After coming up...

Not all data is the same. Using the interactive, pupils compare data represented in two different ways. The learners develop an understanding of the difference between discrete and continuous data and the different ways to represent each...

Bothered by a wobbly table? Learn how to fix this problem using concepts of slope and continuity. Pupils first consider the problem in two dimensions and then progress to three dimensions. The solution is really quite simple.

Many things in life take the shape of a polynomial curve. Learners design a polynomial function to model a riverbed. Using different strategies, they find the flow rate through the river.

From a circle to a cycle! The final lesson 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...

Plants provide humans with food, shelter, and medications. Scholars gain a better appreciation for plants after learning their functions, divisions, and early ancestors. Each sub-topic includes slides highlighting vocabulary and...

When is the trigonometric value of a negative angle the same as the positive angle? Pupils compare the values of trigonometric functions for different angles and their negatives. The interactive resource provides a visual display to make...