Education Technology

Exploring Power Functions 1

Subject Area
Math: Algebra II: Powers Roots and Radical Functions
Level
9-12
Activity Time
45 Minutes
Software
TI-Nspire™ CX
TI-Nspire™ CX CAS
TI Calculator
TI-Nspire™ CX series
TI-Nspire™ CX CAS/CX II CAS
TI-Nspire Version
4.5
Resource Types
Lessons
Format
TNS

Exploring Power Functions 1

Activity Overview

Examine the graphs of power functions with even and odd positive integer exponents.

Objectives

  • Students will be able to describe the end behaviors of functions of the form y = xn where n is a positive integer
  • Students will be able to justify why the three points (–1, –1), (0, 0), and (1, 1) are common to any function of the form y = xn where n is an even integer
  • Students will be able to justify why the three points (–1, –1), (0, 0), and (1, 1) are common to any function of the form y = xn where n is an odd integer
  • Students will be able to identify the symmetry in even and odd power functions and describe the line or point of symmetry

Vocabulary

  • end behavior
  • symmetry
  • power/exponent

About the Lesson

This lesson involves examining the graphs of power functions with even and odd positive integer exponents. End behavior, key points, and symmetry are explored. As a result, students will:

  • Be able to describe the shape, end behavior, and key points of power functions with positive integer exponents.
  • Be able to describe the symmetry of even and odd power functions.

Subject Area
Math: Algebra II: Powers Roots and Radical Functions
Level
9-12
Activity Time
45 Minutes
Software
TI-Nspire™ CX
TI-Nspire™ CX CAS
TI Calculator
TI-Nspire™ CX series
TI-Nspire™ CX CAS/CX II CAS
TI-Nspire Version
4.5
Resource Types
Lessons
Format
TNS
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