Activity Overview
In this activity, students study the exponential function. They differentiate between exponential growth and exponential decay from an equation. They identify the coefficient in an equation that represents the rate of growth/decay. Students also explain the effect of changes in the values of A and/or B - the coefficients of the equation.
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 42 - 50 from the attached PDF file for your class
During the Activity
Distribute the pages to your class.
Follow the Activity procedures:
Select the Transformation Graphing application, enter an exponential function ABx, and set the values of the coefficients to 1
Observe the graph
Keeping the value of B constant, change the value of A, and observe the effects on the y-intercept of the graph
Set A = 1 and increase the value of B
Observe that B controls the rate at which the function grows; the greater the value of B, steeper the curve and the function grows at a faster rate
Study various graphs, determine whether they represent growth or decay, and find the values of A and B
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