EngageNY
Recognizing Equations of Circles
What does completing the square have to do with circles? Math pupils use completing the square and other algebraic techniques to rewrite equations of circles in center-radius form. They then analyze equations of the form x^2 + y^2 + Ax +...
West Contra Costa Unified School District
Linear-Quadratic Systems
Why do I have to learn two different ways to solve linear-quadratic systems? Isn't one way enough? Learners first investigate the three possible situations for linear-quadratic systems (two, one, or zero solutions), then solve such...
EngageNY
What Lies Behind “Same Shape”?
Develop a more precise definition of similar. The activity begins with an informal definition of similar figures and develops the need to be more precise. The class learns about dilations and uses that knowledge to arrive at a...
5280 Math
Stories That Formulas Tell
Learn the stories a formula holds. An interesting lesson takes a unique approach to teach how to use formulas. Beginning with a formula, learners predict what the variables stand for and then use the formula to make calculations and tell...
Curated OER
Describing Data
Your learners will practice many ways of describing data using coordinate algebra in this unit written to address many Common Core State Standards. Simple examples of different ways to organize data are shared and then practice problems...
West Contra Costa Unified School District
Using Derivatives to Graph Polynomials
You can learn to graph as well as a calculator using calculus. The lesson introduces using derivatives to find critical points needed to graph polynomials. Pupils learn to find local maximums and minimums and intervals of increase and...
EngageNY
Vectors and the Equation of a Line
Represent linear equations in both two and three dimensions using parametric equations. Learners write parametric equations for linear equations in both two and three variables. They graph and convert the parametric equations to...
Mathematics Vision Project
Module 3: Numbers and Operations
Bring some concrete reasoning to the skills of multiplying and combining terms. Using various strategies, the six activities in the module provide practice for the skills of adding, subtracting, multiplying, and diving polynomials. The...
West Contra Costa Unified School District
Solving a System by Substitution
Solving systems by substitution can be a challenging topic in algebra I. Here is a lesson that builds on students' understanding of intercepts to begin the process of substitution, and all work is reinforced graphically to build...
EngageNY
Multiplying and Dividing Expressions with Radicals
That's radical! Simplifying radicals may not be exciting, but it is an important skill. A math instructional activity provides explanations of properties used throughout the material. Scholars practice skills needed to multiply and...
EngageNY
Finding Systems of Inequalities That Describe Triangular and Rectangular Regions
How do you build a polygon from an inequality? An engaging lesson plan challenges pupils to do just that. Building from the previous lesson plan in this series, learners write systems of inequalities to model rectangles, triangles, and...
EngageNY
Simplifying Square Roots
Explore the process of simplifying square roots through an analysis of perfect squares. The fourth lesson of 25 expects individuals to find the perfect square factors in each radicand as a means of simplifying. The perfect square factor...
West Contra Costa Unified School District
Average Rate of Change
The concept of slope gets an approachable, yet theoretical, treatment in a comprehensive algebra lesson. The use of functional notation and problem-solving techniques keep the material rigorous, but detailed teaching notes and lots of...
Curated OER
Going Back to Your Roots
Who doesn't need to know the Fundamental Theorem of Algebra? Use the theorem to find the roots of a polynomial on a TI calculator. The class explores polynomials with one solution, no real solutions, and two solutions. This less lesson...
Curated OER
Solving Equations Using Models
Explore mathematics by analyzing images. As they view pictures on the SMART Board, individuals must write corresponding algebraic equations. They utilize models to visualize the math expressions.
National Security Agency
Equations and Expressions
Learners demonstrate their knowledge pictorially, concretely, and abstractly in this unit meant to last three hours over three days. Using hands-on activities, manipulatives, real-world applications, and problem solving, learners write...
Shodor Education Foundation
InteGreat
Hands-on investigation of Riemann sums becomes possible without intensive arithmetic gymnastics with this interactive lesson plan. Learners manipulate online graphing tools to develop and test theories about right, left, and midpoint...
Mathematics Vision Project
Module 9: Statistics
All disciplines use data! A seven-lesson unit teaches learners the basics of analyzing all types of data. The unit begins with a study of the shape of data displays and the analysis of a normal distribution. Later lessons discuss the...
Federal Reserve Bank
Financial Goals
Do you have financial goals? How will you make them happen? Help your pupils answer these questions through this interactive project. They create goals and a plan for reaching them as one of many high school algebra projects.
EngageNY
Nature of Solutions of a System of Linear Equations
If at first you cannot graph, substitute. The lesson introduces the substitution method as a way to solve linear systems if the point of intersection is hard to determine from a graph. The 28th installment of a 33-part series finishes...
EngageNY
Criterion for Perpendicularity
The Pythagorean Theorem is a geometry pupil's best friend! Learners explain the equation a1b1 + a2b2 = 0 for perpendicular segments using the Pythagorean Theorem. They are able to identify perpendicular segments using their endpoints and...
EngageNY
Perimeter and Area of Polygonal Regions Defined by Systems of Inequalities
When algebra and geometry get together, good things happen! Given a system of inequalities that create a quadrilateral, learners graph and find vertices. They then use the vertices and Green's Theorem to find the area and perimeter of...
West Contra Costa Unified School District
Graphing Piecewise Functions
Step up to learn about step functions. The lesson, designed for high schoolers, first covers piecewise functions and how to draw their graphs. It then introduces step functions, including the greatest integer (floor) and ceiling functions.
West Contra Costa Unified School District
Congruence Through Transformations
Transform your lesson on transformations. Learners use given congruent triangles and tracing paper to determine the single transformation that carries one to the other. The concept is extended to combinations of transformations to...