Activity Overview
This activity explores three different ways to generate a rule for a particular interactive and dynamic block pattern. Students use symbolic notation to develop algebraic expressions and represent functions, solve systems of simultaneous equations and produce graphs from data. At the end of the activity students are provided with a powerful visual representation of the same problem that helps them produce the same equation simply and easily.
Objectives
Find the equation of a quadratic given sufficient information (ACMMM009)
Vocabulary
Polynomial, degree of polynomial, quadratic, difference table
About the Lesson
Mathematicians are often valued for their ability to solve problems efficiently and effectively, it is therefore important that students are able to use multiple of strategies to solve a single problem. Students are presented with a block pattern that can be built using a slider. Students use numerical techniques and difference tables to build a solution, followed by graphical and algebraic methods. Finally, students are provided with visual clues which allow them to produce a rule immediately, very efficient. Try it!