Activity Overview
In this activity, students investigate the effect of change in parameters m (slope), and b (y-intercept) on the graph of the equation y = mx + b.
Before the Activity
See the attached PDF file for detailed instructions for this activity
Print pages 1 - 7 from the attached PDF file for your class
During the Activity
Distribute the pages to the class.
Follow the Activity procedures:
Graph the equation y = mx for m = 1
Change value of slope m to 2, 3, and 4, and graph the equations
Observe that greater the value of m, the steeper the graph
Change value of m to 1/2, 1/3, and 1/4 and sketch the graph of the lines
Observe that as the value of m becomes smaller the graph becomes less steep
Change slope value to -1, -2, and -1/2 and graph the lines
Note that graphs with negative slopes all decrease as x increases and as the value of m approaches zero, the graph becomes less steep
Change y-intercept to 2, -1, and 5 and graph the lines
Observe that the y-intercepts and the value of b are the same
After the Activity
Students complete the Analysis questions.
Review student results:
As a class, discuss questions that appeared to be more challenging
Re-teach concepts as necessary