Education Technology

Get Your Numbers in Shape (TI-83/84 Family)

Subject Area
Math: Algebra I: Sequences and Series
Math: Algebra I: Quadratic Functions
Level
9-12
Activity Time
60 Minutes
TI Calculator
TI-84 series
Other Materials
    This is Activity 11 from the EXPLORATIONS Book:
    Activities for Algebra with the TI-83 Plus.

    The following materials are required for this activity:
  • Small cubes or candy
Resource Types
Lessons

Get Your Numbers in Shape (TI-83/84 Family)

Activity Overview

Students produce a sequence, explore patterns and find a linear or quadratic equation for a given pattern. They use inductive reasoning to make conjectures about patterns. Students also find the Y-value of a function if the X-value is provided, and vice versa.

Before the Activity

  • Set up the calculator for data collection using the procedure described in the attached Appendix PDF file
  • See the attached PDF file for detailed instructions for this activity
  • Print pages 141 - 154 from the attached PDF file for your class
  • During the Activity

    Distribute the pages to your class.

    Follow the activity procedures:

  • Enter the stage number data and the value (data for a sequence)
  • Find the first difference between the successive terms
  • Observe the differences are not equal, and the sequence is not linear
  • Find the second difference between successive terms
  • Observe the differences are equal, and the sequence is quadratic
  • Set up a scatter plot using the data
  • Perform a quadratic regression to find a best fit equation that describes the sequence
  • Observe and graph the quadratic function
  • Develop recursive and explicit formulas for the sequence and use them to find the 100th and 75th terms in the sequence
  • After the Activity

    Students will complete the Data Collection and Analysis page and answer questions listed on it.

  • Review student results
  • As a class, discuss questions that appeared to be more challenging
  • Re-teach concepts as necessary
  • Subject Area
    Math: Algebra I: Sequences and Series
    Math: Algebra I: Quadratic Functions
    Level
    9-12
    Activity Time
    60 Minutes
    TI Calculator
    TI-84 series
    Other Materials
      This is Activity 11 from the EXPLORATIONS Book:
      Activities for Algebra with the TI-83 Plus.

      The following materials are required for this activity:
    • Small cubes or candy
    Resource Types
    Lessons
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