Activity Detail
If you are using a TI-73, TI-83, TI-84 or TI-89, there may be particular math or science applications you will need to download to use certain activities. If you are using TI-Nspire technology, please update your TI-Nspire handheld operating system or computer software to view the latest activities. The latest TI-Nspire operating system was released in June 2009.
Browse by Subject Submit Activity Saved Activities Advanced Search
  


add to saved activities



print this activity
 
The Slope of the Tangent Line (Part1)
 


Activity Overview

In this activity, students use the CellSheet™ Application to approximate the slope of a line tangent to a curve.

Before the Activity

  • Install the CellSheet on the calculator using the TI Connect™, TI-Connectivity cable, and Unit to Unit cables
  • See the attached PDF file for detailed instructions for this activity
  • Print pages 57 - 62 from the attached PDF file for your class

    		•

    		During the Activity

    		Distribute the pages to your class.

    Follow the Activity procedures:
  • Use the quadratic equation for the curve and the x-value of the point of contact of the tangent to find the corresponding y-value
  • Set Δx as 1 unit to find another value of x and the corresponding y-value
  • Find the slope of the secant line joining the two points
  • Use smaller values of Δx (for better approximation of the slope of the tangent line) and determine the slopes of the new secant lines
  • Observe the pattern between the Δx values and slopes of the lines

    		After the Activity

    		Students will complete the worksheet and answer questions.

    Review student results:
  • As a class, discuss questions that appeared to be more challenging
  • Re-teach concepts as necessary

    		Other Downloads




    view standards alignment
    view textbook alignment

    Subject Area:
    Math : Algebra I : Quadratic Functions

    Author:
    Texas Instruments

    Level:
    9-12

    Activity Time:
    60 Minutes

    Device:
    TI-83 Plus Family, TI-84 Plus Family

    Apps:
    CellSheet™

    Software:
    TI Connect™

    Accessories:
    TI Connectivity Cable, Unit-to-Unit link cables

    Other:
    This is Activity 6 from the EXPLORATIONS Book:
    Exploring Mathematics with the CellSheet™ Application

    Report an issue with this activity