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
 
How Many Drivers? Investigate the Slope-Intercept Form of a Line
 


Activity Overview

In this activity, students will be introduced to the slope-intercept form of a linear equation. They will recognize the effects of changes in the slope and y-intercept on the graph of a line. Students will use the Transformation Graphing application to find an approximate linear model of the actual data. They will determine the line of best fit on a scatter plot by using the guess-and-check strategy to manipulate the values of the slope and y-intercept.

Before the Activity

Install the Transformation Graphing application on the students' graphing calculators using one of these two methods:
  • TI-Connect™,  a TI Connectivity Cable, and the Unit-to-Unit Link Cable
  • TI-Navigator™  "send to class" feature
  • See the attached PDF file for detailed instructions for this activity
  • Print pages 1-12 from the attached PDF file for your class

    		•

    		During the Activity

    		Distribute pages 1-12 to your class.

    Follow the Activity procedures:
  • Plot graphs for the linear equation using the given values of m and b and observe how the graphs change with variations in m and b
  • Write a hypothesis about the effects of m and b on the graph of a line
  • Use the Transformation Graphing application to investigate the effects of varying m and b
  • Notice that the value of m affects the slope of the line and the value of b affects where the line crosses the x-axis
  • Observe the changes in the graph by varying the value of m and b, and compare the results with the hypothesis
  • Prepare a scatter plot showing the relationship between the population and number of licensed drivers in selected states
  • Estimate the value for the slope and y-intercept of a linear model that represents the data
  • Find a line that represents an approximate fit of the data
  • Determine the slope and the y-intercept, and compare with the estimated values
  • Predict the number of licensed drivers for a given population size and verify the prediction

    		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 : Linear Equations and Functions

    Author:
    Texas Instruments

    Level:
    9-12

    Activity Time:
    50 Minutes

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

    Apps:
    Transformation Graphing

    Software:
    TI Connect™

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

    Other:
    This is Activity 1 from the EXPLORATIONS Book:
    Exploring Mathematics with the Transformation Graphing Application.


    Report an issue with this activity