Activity Detail
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The Mysterious Constant
 


Activity Overview

Students investigate a pattern using the constant function on the calculator, record the ordered pairs in a table, describe the pattern, and predict what will come next.

Before the Activity

  • See the attached PDF file for detailed instructions for this activity
  • Print student activity sheet page 50 from the attached PDF file for your class

    		•

    		During the Activity

    		Distribute the page to the class.

    Follow the activity procedures:
  • Students in groups of two play a game
  • Student 1 enters a constant function (hidden) and a starting number on the calculator
  • Student 2 repeats operation with the constant function several times, records the resulting values in a table, studies the pattern, guesses the constant function, and predicts what will come next in the pattern


  • Students predict the number that would be displayed on the 95th use of the constant function

  • Repeat the activity with a different constant function

    		After the Activity

  • 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 : Elementary Math : Algebraic Thinking
    Math : PreAlgebra : Expressions
    Math : Middle Grades Math : Algebraic Thinking

    Author:
    Texas Instruments

    Level:
    5-8, K-4

    Activity Time:
    60 Minutes

    Device:
    TI-10, TI-15 Explorer™

    Apps:
     

    Software:
     

    Accessories:
     

    Other:
    This is Activity 10 from the EXPLORATIONS Book:
    Uncovering Math with Manipulatives, the TI-10, and the TI-15 Explorer

    The following material is required for this activity:

  • Pencils


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