Activity Overview
In this activity, students will be introduced to the slope-intercept form of a linear equation. They will recognize the effects of changes in the slope and y-intercept on the graph of a line. Students will use the Transformation Graphing application to find an approximate linear model of the actual data. They will use the guess-and-check strategy, manipulate the values of the slope and y-intercept to determine the line of best fit.
Before the Activity
Set up the Transformation Graphing on the calculator using the TI Connect™ software
See the attached PDF files for detailed instructions for this activity
Print pages 1 - 8 from the attached activity PDF file for the class
During the Activity
Distribute the printed pages to the class.
Follow the Activity procedures:
Plot graphs for the linear equation y = mx + b on the calculator and observe how the graph changes with variations in m and b values
Write an hypothesis on the effect of m and b on the graph of a line
Start the Transformation Graphing Application and graph the equation y = Ax + B
Set the starting values for the coefficients and the increment and observe the change in the coefficients.
Compare the results with the hypothesis
Using the hypothesis, identify graphs of equations and answer questions; verify using the calculator
Prepare a scatter plot showing the relationship between the population and number of licensed drivers; identify the independent variable and the pattern in the relationship
Estimate the values of the slope and y-intercept for the linear model
Use the estimates to graph lines; adjust values of the coefficients to obtain a reasonable model that fits the data
After the Activity
Students' answer questions on the homework page.
Review student results:
As a class, discuss questions that appeared to be more challenging
Re-teach concepts as necessary