Activity Overview
This Computer Algebra System (CAS) activity encourages students to investigate the use of the calculator to graph a function, find the value of a tangent to the curve, and find area under the curve using right sum.
Before the Activity
Install TI Connect™ using the TI connectivity cableSee the attached PDF file for detailed instructions for this activity Print pages 1 - 4 from the attached PDF file for the class
During the Activity
Distribute the page to the class.
Follow the Activity procedures:
Activate the Calculus Tools flash application
Open the Derivative menu and select Tangent Line
Observe the dialog box with default values
Observe the graph of the function and the tangent line, as well as the equation of the tangent line
Open the Integral menu and select Right Sum
Open the Right Sum dialog box and execute the program with default values
Note the right hand rectangles drawn on the curve and compute the sum of their areas
Experiment for different functions and for different values for Tangent Line and Right Sum
After the Activity
Students' answer questions on the Activity sheet.
Review student results:
As a class, discuss questions that appeared to be more challenging
Re-teach concepts as necessary