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Writing the Equation for a Circle
Circles aren't functions, so how is it possible to write the equation for a circle? Pupils first develop the equation of a circle through application of the Pythagorean Theorem. The lesson then provides an exercise set for learners to...
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Normal Distributions (part 1)
Don't allow your pupils to become outliers! As learners examine normal distributions by calculating z-scores, they compare outcomes by analyzing the z-scores for each.
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Law of Cosines
Build upon the Pythagorean Theorem with the Law of Cosines. The 10th part of a 16-part series introduces the Law of Cosines. Class members use the the geometric representation of the Pythagorean Theorem to develop a proof of the Law of...
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Parallel and Perpendicular Lines
Use what you know about parallel and perpendicular lines to write equations! Learners take an equation of a line and write an equation of a line that is parallel or perpendicular using slope criteria. They then solve problems to...
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Overcoming a Second Obstacle in Factoring—What If There Is a Remainder?
Looking for an alternative approach to long division? Show your classes how to use factoring in place of long division. Increase their fluency with factoring at the same time!
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Multiplying and Factoring Polynomial Expressions (part 1)
Polynomial multiplication and factoring go hand in hand. Why not teach them together. This resource begins with an area model for distributing a monomial and then connects the process to factoring the GCF. Learners then advance to...
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Linear Transformations Applied to Cubes
What do you get when you combine a matrix and a cube? Well that depends on the matrix! Pupils use online software to graph various transformations of a cube. Ultimately, they are able to describe the matrix that is responsible for a...
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Estimating Centers and Interpreting the Mean as a Balance Point
How do you balance a set of data? Using a ruler and some coins, learners determine whether the balance point is always in the middle. Through class and small group discussions, they find that the mean is the the best estimate of the...
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Scale Factors
Is it bigger, or is it smaller—or maybe it's the same size? Individuals learn to describe enlargements and reductions and quantify the result. Lesson five in the series connects the creation of a dilated image to the result. Pupils...
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How Do Dilations Map Segments?
Do you view proofs as an essential geometric skill? The resource builds on an understanding of dilations by proving the Dilation Theorem of Segments. Pupils learn to question and verify rather than make assumptions.
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What Are Similarity Transformations, and Why Do We Need Them?
It's time for your young artists to shine! Learners examine images to determine possible similarity transformations. They then provide a sequence of transformations that map one image to the next, or give an explanation why it is not...
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The Side-Angle-Side (SAS) and Side-Side-Side (SSS) Criteria for Two Triangles to Be Similar
Playing with mathematics can invoke curiosity and excitement. As pupils construct triangles with given criteria, they determine the necessary requirements to support similarity. After determining the criteria, they practice verifying...
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Using Trigonometry to Find Side Lengths of an Acute Triangle
Not all triangles are right! Pupils learn to tackle non-right triangles using the Law of Sines and Law of Cosines. After using the two laws, they then apply them to word problems.
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What Is Area?
What if I can no longer justify area by counting squares? Lead a class discussion to find the area of a rectangular region with irrational side lengths. The class continues on with the idea of lower approximations and upper...
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Proving the Area of a Disk
Using a similar process from the first lesson in the series of finding area approximations, a measurement resource develops the proof of the area of a circle. The problem set contains a derivation of the proof of the circumference formula.
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Scaling Principle for Volumes
Review the principles of scaling areas and draws a comparison to scaling volumes with a third dimensional measurement. The exercises continue with what happens to the volume if the dimensions are not multiplied by the same constant.
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Lines That Pass Through Regions
Good things happen when algebra and geometry get together! Continue the exploration of coordinate geometry in the third lesson plan in the series. Pupils explore linear equations and describe the points of intersection with a given...
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The Angle Measure of an Arc
How do you find the measure of an arc? Learners first review relationships between central and inscribed angles. They then investigate the relationship between these angles and their intercepted arcs to extend the Inscribed Angle Theorem...
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Ptolemy's Theorem
Everyone's heard of Pythagoras, but who's Ptolemy? Learners test Ptolemy's Theorem using a specific cyclic quadrilateral and a ruler in the 22nd installment of a 23-part module. They then work through a proof of the theorem.
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Successive Differences in Polynomials
Don't give your classes the third degree when working with polynomials! Teach them to recognize the successive differences and identify the degree of the polynomial. The lesson leads learners through a process to develop an understanding...
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Putting It All Together
Shuffle 'em up and deal! Learners practice operations with polynomials using cards they pass around the room. The activity works with pairs or individuals, so it offers great flexibility. This is the fifth installment in a series of 42...
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Radicals and Conjugates
Make the irrational rational again! Continuing the theme from previous lessons in the series, the lesson plan relates the polynomial identity difference of squares to conjugates. Learners develop the idea of a conjugate through analysis...
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Overcoming Obstacles in Factoring
What do you do when factoring doesn't work? Learners complete the square when faced with quadratic expression that don't factor traditionally. They then use factoring by grouping to solve polynomial equations.
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Structure in Graphs of Polynomial Functions
Don't allow those polynomial functions to misbehave! Understand the end behavior of a polynomial function based on the degree and leading coefficient. Learners examine the patterns of even and odd degree polynomials and apply them to...