Activity Detail
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Graphing an Extra Dimension
 


Activity Overview

In this activity, students learn to graph equations in 3-D space called surface. They learn to use graphs in 3-D. They will focus on the characteristics of surface types called paraboloids.

Before the Activity

  • See the attached PDF file for detailed instructions for this activity.
  • Print pages 67 - 72 from the attached PDF file for your class.

    		•

    		During the Activity

    		Distribute the pages to the class.

    Follow the Activity procedures:
  • Examine how the value of a affects the graph of
    y = a x2
  • Enter various values of a and graph the function
  • Note the observations in a chart


  • Examine how the constants a and b affect the graph of the equation z = a x2 + by2
  • Enter a = 1 and b = 1 and graph the function
  • Observe the resultant graph of z = x2 + y2 is a 3-dimensional parabolic curve
  • Trace the surfaces of the graph in the xy, xz, and yz planes
  • For other values (both positive and negative) of the constants a and b, predict changes in the parabolic curve
  • Graph the function for the other values of a and b
  • Compare the observed effect with the predicted effect

    		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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    Subject Area:
    Math : Geometry : Analytic Geometry

    Author:
    Texas Instruments

    Level:
    9-12

    Activity Time:
    60 Minutes

    Device:
    TI-92 Plus / Voyage™ 200

    Apps:
     

    Software:
     

    Accessories:
     

    Other:
    This is Activity 9 from the EXPLORATIONS Book:
    Discovering Math on the Voyage 200.

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