Activity Detail
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Activity Overview

Students learn to use measurements on a real model to develop the concept of slope and linear functions. They use a calculator to explore changing the slopes and Y- intercepts in the slope intercept form Y = MX + B.

Before the Activity

  • See the attached PDF file for detailed instructions for this activity
  • Print pages 89 - 94 from the attached PDF file for your class

    		•

    		During the Activity

    		Distribute the pages to the class.

    Follow the Activity procedures:
  • Measure the vertical height (rise) and the horizontal height (run) of stairs in centimeters and inches
  • Use centimeters and inches conversion to verify accuracy of the measurements
  • Enter the values on the calculator and draw a model of the staircase
  • Use the Manual-Fit function to draw a line from the tip of the first step to the tip of the third step
  • Find the equation of the line drawn in the form of Y = MX + B
  • From the equation of the line, find the value of M, the coefficient of X, which is the slope, and the value of B, the y-intercept
  • Change the values of B and M and note the change in the lines

    		After the Activity

    		Students will complete the Worksheet and analyze the results.

    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 : Geometry : Lines

    Author:
    Texas Instruments

    Level:
    5-8

    Activity Time:
    60 Minutes

    Device:
    TI-73 Explorer™

    Apps:
     

    Software:
     

    Accessories:
     

    Other:
    This is Activity 10 from the EXPLORATIONS Book:
    Discovering Mathematics with the TI-73: Activities for Grades 7 And 8

    The following materials are required for this activity:

  • A set of stairs with at least 3 stairs, or 6 congruent shoe boxes
  • Ruler with centimeters and inches
  • String and tape


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