Education Technology

Algebra Through Calculus: Piecewise Functions and Graphs

Technology: TI-84 Plus family, TI-Nspire™ Technology
Topic: Content Knowledge
Speakers: Vicki Carter, Anthony Record

In this final session of our "Algebra through Calculus" series, presenters will discuss piece-wise functions and graphs.

Students begin to work with piece-wise functions in algebra and continue this through their high school courses. In this webinar, AP® Calculus Readers will discuss these concepts and their connections throughout the vertical alignment of high school courses. They will highlight expectations across the grade levels, building a conceptual foundation in preparation for AP® Calculus.

Ultimately, on the AP® Calculus exam, students are expected to work with both expressions and graphs of piecewise functions. For example, continuity and differentiability are topics that rely heavily on the analysis of a piecewise function. Often students are given the graph of an accumulation function which is represented by a piecewise function and asked to provide characteristics of the antiderivative.

The presenters will utilize both TI-84 Plus CE and TI-Nspire™ graphing calculators during the webinar.

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