Activity Overview
In this activity, students use the Derive™ software to solve trigonometric equations, expressions with exponentials, and log equations. They also determine the equation of tangent and normal of a function; evaluate integrals, find area between curves, study normal distribution, and calculate standard deviation.
Before the Activity
Install the Derive 6™ software on the computer
See the attached PDF file for detailed instructions for this activity Print the attached PDF file for the class
During the Activity
Distribute the pages to the class.
Follow the Activity procedures:
Define a polynomial function, solve it, graph the curve, and label all points on it
Plot an absolute value function, and understand that the negative values of the function are reflected across the x-axis
Solve trigonometric equations in either radians or degrees
Simplify or expand trigonometric expressions using double angle formulas
Simplify and solve exponential and logarithmic equations
Find the inverse of a function
Plot the graphs of the function and its inverse in the same plane
Find the equations of the tangent and normal to a function at a given value using various methods
Evaluate definite and indefinite integrals
Draw a graph of the region bounded by the function and the x-axis, and find its area
Trace the point of intersection
Study the statistical distributions and determine probabilities for various situations
After the Activity
Review student results:
As a class, discuss questions that appeared to be more challenging
Re-teach concepts as necessary