Activity Detail
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Visualizing Vectors
 


Activity Overview

In this activity, students use the CellSheet™ Application to graph vectors. They also learn to find the sum of two vectors.

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 75 - 84 from the attached PDF file for your class

    		•

    		During the Activity

    		Distribute the pages to your class.

    Follow the Activity procedures:
  • Open the CellSheet Application on the calculator and start a new spreadsheet
  • Convert the polar coordinates of the two vectors to the x and y vector coordinates
  • Graph the vectors
  • Write the two vectors in their rectangular form in terms of x and y
  • Add the two ordered pairs to obtain the sum
  • Graph the resultant vector
  • Connect the end points of the vectors and the resultant
  • Observe the resultant vector is the diagonal of the parallelogram having sides defined by the magnitude and direction of the 2 vectors

    		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




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    Subject Area:
    Math : Geometry : Vectors

    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

    Other:
    This is Activity 8 from the EXPLORATIONS Book:
    Exploring Mathematics with the CellSheet™ Application

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