Activity Detail

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Storefront Signs
 


Activity Overview

Students learn to find area and explore the quadratic function. They compare the areas and patterns of squares within a square.

Before the Activity

  • See the attached PDF file for detailed instructions for this activity
  • Print pages 71 - 77 from the attached PDF file for your class


  • During the Activity

    Distribute the pages to the class.

    Follow the activity procedures:
  • Draw all possible designs of the square sign in the display window, or construct models using geo boards
  • Record all possible positions of the hooks from the corners
  • For each position, determine the area of the four small triangles surrounding the square, the length of one side of the square, and the area of the square
  • Record the area values in a table
  • Observe that the results are pairs of squares with the same area [except one value]
  • Plot a graph of Area versus Distance
  • Note that the areas get smaller and then get larger
  • Notice that the differences in the areas of successive squares diminish and then grow again
  • Observe that the graph is a parabola
  • Use the graph to determine the area of the largest possible sign and the smallest possible sign


    After the Activity

    Students complete the Student Activity pages 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 : Algebra I : Quadratic Functions

    Author:
    Texas Instruments

    Level:
    5-8

    Activity Time:
    60 Minutes

    Device:
    TI-30X IIB, TI-30X IIS, TI-34 II Explorer Plus™

    Apps:
     

    Software:
     

    Accessories:
     

    Other:
    This is Activity 8 from the EXPLORATIONS Book:
    Math Investigations with the TI-30X IIS and TI-34 II: Activities for the Middle Grades

    You will need the following materials for this activity:

  • Geoboards
  • Rubber bands


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