Activity Detail
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The Closer I Get to You - TI-83
 


Activity Overview

In this activity, students understand how to use the Laws of Reflection to find the heights of objects. They also gain an understanding of a rational function.

Before the Activity

  • Set up the calculator for data collection using the procedure described in the attached Appendix PDF file
  • See the attached PDF file for detailed instructions for this activity
  • Print pages 193 - 201 from the attached PDF file for your class

    		•

    		During the Activity

    		Distribute the pages to your class.

    Follow the Activity procedures:
  • Tape one paper strip with 10 cm markings on the wall, and another on the floor, perpendicular to the first
  • Draw a square in the center of a mirror and place the mirror on the floor such that the center of the square is 20 cm from the wall
  • Record the position of the spotter when he sees the reflected image of the marking on the wall in the mirror
  • Enter the height on the wall and the distance data as a list
  • Set up a scatter plot and perform a power regression to find a best fit line
  • Use the rational function to find the height of the student

    		After the Activity

    		Students will complete the Data Collection and Analysis page and answer questions listed on it.

    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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    view textbook alignment

    Subject Area:
    Math : Algebra I : Rational Functions
    Math : Precalculus / Trig : Rational Functions

    Author:
    Texas Instruments

    Level:
    9-12

    Activity Time:
    60 Minutes

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

    Apps:
     

    Software:
     

    Accessories:
     

    Other:
    This is Activity 14 from the EXPLORATIONS Book:
    Activities for Algebra with the TI-83 Plus.

    The following materials are required for this activity:

  • Small mirror
  • Adding machine paper
  • Masking tape and markers
  • Meter stick


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