Activity Overview
In this activity, students approximate exponential decay models by defining parameters A and B in the exponential equation y = abx. They identify non-zero asymptote form of an exponential function.
Before the Activity
Set up the Transformation Graphing Application on the calculator using the TI Connect™ software See the attached PDF file for detailed instructions for this activity Print pages 54 - 61 the attached PDF file for the class
During the Activity
Distribute the pages to the class.
Follow the Activity procedures:
Roll around 36 dice and remove from the set any die that shows a 6 on its top face
Using only the dice left, repeat the step until no die remains or there have been 15 trials, whichever occurs first
Enter the number of rolls and number of dice left as lists
Plot the graph and select an appropriate value for A
Change the value of B to obtain a proper decay rate
Observe that the decaying curve does not reach zero, but tends to zero
Write the equation of the exponential function
Determine when y < 0.5, and when there are no dice left
Use the calculator to get a rough estimate of the location of the asymptote
Repeat experiment with non-standard set of dice
After the Activity
Students' will complete the Student Worksheet 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