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Linear Explorations Teaching High School Mathematics: Beautiful Lessons Found on the Scenic Route. Dan Teague NC School of Science and Mathematics teague@ncssm.edu. Linear Equation in Standard Form. Family of Functions. What can we say about the family of linear equations in standard form
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Linear ExplorationsTeaching High School Mathematics: Beautiful Lessons Found on the Scenic Route Dan Teague NC School of Science and Mathematics teague@ncssm.edu
Family of Functions What can we say about the family of linear equations in standard form whose coefficients a, b, and c are in arithmetic progression?
Arithmetic Progression All lines appear to intersect at the point (-1, 2). Can we prove this?
Read the Equation • How many k’s are there on the right side of the equation? • How many a’s are there on the right side of the equation?
Arithmetic Progression Sure enough, the point (-1, 2) must lie of all lines in this family.
Think like a mathematician We have seen an interesting result and we have a proof that convinces us our observations were correct. Now, modify the problem. Change the conditions and ask “what other interesting results can be found?”
Change function structure • What would we see if we graph these families of equations with a, b, and c in arithmetic progression.
Change structure of coefficients • What about a geometric progression?
Linear Explorations. Dan Teague NC School of Science and Mathematics teague@ncssm.edu