Education Technology


Ratio of Areas

Activity Overview

In this activity, students use the CellSheet™ Application to determine geometric ratios of areas. Students determine the position of the vertices of a square that has all four vertices on the sides of a larger square and has a specified area. They also learn how quadratic functions can model geometric ratios.

Before the Activity

  • Install the CellSheet on the calculator using the TI Connect™, TI-Connectivity cable, and Unit to Unit cables
  • See the attached PDF file for detailed instructions for this activity
  • Print pages 51 - 52 from the attached PDF file for your class
  • During the Activity

    Distribute the pages to your class.

    Follow the Activity procedures:

  • Use the quadratic equation and for different x-values find the corresponding y- values
  • Determine the slope of the secant line that passes through 2 points
  • Determine the Δx - slope relationship
  • For values of x, use the cubic equation to find the corresponding y-values
  • Determine the slope of the secant line and Δx - slope relationship
  • Compare the Δx - slope pattern for the cubic quadratic function curves
  • After the Activity

    Students will complete the worksheet and answer questions.

    Review student results:

  • As a class, discuss questions that appeared to be more challenging
  • Re-teach concepts as necessary