Comparing Functions

Description: In the shapes of Algebra, groups of students graph 4 different functions and identify which function is not like the others. In the process they explore features of tables and graphs of various function families. The activity concludes with a practice section in which students use a variety of representations to identify function families. The online version of the activity includes several automated practice applets to support graphing and identifying function families.

http://media.mivu.org/mvu_pd/a4a/resources/shapesofalgebra/index.html

Graphing Applets: These applets each contain tables for graphing 4 different functions and a graphing tool that creates a graph of each function for comparison.

http://media.mivu.org/mvu_pd/a4a/resources/applets/graph_table4_exp1.html

Other Groups: Group 1 | Group 2 | Group 3 | Group 4 | Group 5

Practice Applet 1: In this applet students identify which function is not like the others by looking at their equations.

http://media.mivu.org/mvu_pd/a4a/resources/applets/practice1.html

Practice Applet 2: In this applet students match function rules (equations) to their corresponding table of values.

http://media.mivu.org/mvu_pd/a4a/resources/applets/practice2.html

Practice Applet 3: In this applet students select the appropriate function rule for a given graph.

http://media.mivu.org/mvu_pd/a4a/resources/applets/practice3.html

Practice Applet 4: In this applet students sketch the shape of a function given it's equation.

http://media.mivu.org/mvu_pd/a4a/resources/applets/practice4.html

Teacher Video: The Shapes of Algebra: Introduction

Teacher Video: The Shapes of Algebra: Wrap-up

Description: In this activity students write the story of a race between four sisters, given a graph of the race. Students also have the opportunity for interactive practice with drawing and interpreting graphs. Finally, there is a practice section in which students identify appropriate graphs for given scenarios.

http://media.mivu.org/mvu_pd/a4a/resources/describinggraphs/index.html

Two Brothers Race Applet: In this applet students interact with a graph of 2 brothers racing cars. Students can draw graphs based on stories, develop stories based on graphs, and experiment with graphs in a "free play" mode.

http://media.mivu.org/mvu_pd/a4a/resources/applets/2race.html

Teacher Video: The Four Sisters Race: Introduction

Teacher Video: The Four Sisters Race: Extensions

Teacher Video: Graphs and Scenarios: Introduction

Teacher Video: Graphs and Scenarios: Extensions

Description: This activity provides an introduction to recursive notation. It includes instruction, as well as interactive practice

http://media.mivu.org/mvu_pd/a4a/resources/recursion/index.html

Recursion Practice 1: Practice identifying patterns and writing recursive notation using frames and arrows.

http://media.mivu.org/mvu_pd/a4a/resources/applets/recursion_practice1.html

Recursion Practice 2: Practice identifying patterns and writing recursive notation using next-now and recursive notation.

http://media.mivu.org/mvu_pd/a4a/resources/applets/recursion_practice2.html

Teacher Video: Recursion

Description: Apply a linear and exponential model to a small data set in order to explore the differences in growth pattern, depending on which model is selected.

http://media.mivu.org/mvu_pd/a4a/resources/mussels/index.html

Teacher Video: Lilly's Mussels: Introduction

Teacher Video: Lilly's Mussels: Wrap-Up

Description: In this activity students compare linear and exponential models by listing their characteristics side-by-side in a table.

http://media.mivu.org/mvu_pd/a4a/resources/comparelinexp/index.html

Teacher Video: Comparing Linear And Exponential Functions: Examples

Description: In this activity, students explore a variety of functions through four different payment plans. They must select the best payment plan for different conditions.

http://media.mivu.org/mvu_pd/a4a/resources/makemerich/index.html

Teacher Video: Make Me Rich: Introduction

Description: In this activity students explore the characteristics of various function families by comparing the patterns in six different tables of values and identify which type of relationship is shown in each one.

http://media.mivu.org/mvu_pd/a4a/resources/categorizingpatterns/index.html

Teacher Video: Categorizing Patterns: Introduction

Description: In this activity students learn about and practice how to translate functions, and identify translations from equations of functions.

http://media.mivu.org/mvu_pd/a4a/resources/translations/index.html

General Translations Applet: In this applet students practice translating functions by creating graphs of translated functions, or writing functions from given graphs.

http://media.mivu.org/mvu_pd/a4a/resources/applets/translations.html

Teacher Video: General Translations

Teacher Video: Function Aerobics