As an intro to polynomial equations in Algebra 2, I decided to skip the "real world" problems--which always seems to be terrible for this topic; either too simplified to be of any value or too complex to understand in Algebra 2--and just go modeling. Granted, it's using quadratics, but at least it's a start. The goal was for students to make a table of data and look at differences to tell the degree of the polynomial function. From there, students had to create a system of equations and solve--preferably using matrices.
Here's some student work. The file is at the end of the post.
Here's some student work. The file is at the end of the post.
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I got this from modifying a UCSMP activity in an attempt to remove some supports. Trying to be less helpful and all that. The original activity told students directly how to solve the problem. I want to give less away when I ask students to model situations. What's the point in having them compare and contrast families of functions if I never have them make decisions on the tasks I assign?
If you have any nice modeling tasks that go beyond 2nd degree, I'd love for you to share them with me in the comments.
If you have any nice modeling tasks that go beyond 2nd degree, I'd love for you to share them with me in the comments.
| 11-10_pennies_dominoes_and_polynomial_patterns.docx |
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