Outcomes
In this lesson you will learn
- to solve problems by identifying and extending number sequences
- to use geometric patterns and number patterns to create arithmetic sequences
- develop the general expression
for an arithmetic sequence
By the end of this section students will be able to:
- demonstrate an understanding of patterns that are arithmetic, power, and geometric, and relate then to corresponding functions
- analyze tables and graphs to distinguish between linear, quadratic, and exponential relationships
- sketch graphs from descriptions, tables, and collected data
- determine the equation of a quadratic function using finite differences
Introduction
Mathematical Modeling, Book 3 p. 2 - 14
As the title suggest, you will explore number patterns in this section with a view to how the patterns relate to both linear, quadratic and higher degree functions. The investigations and focus sections will lead you through an analysis of number patterns based on real-world phenomena. As you work through each you will quickly realize that the patterns have many common features that will give you many generalizations.
This section should take 4 hours to complete.
Prerequisites
To be successful in this lesson, it would be helpful to know the following:
- definitions and distinguishing characteristics of linear and quadratic functions
- using symbols to represent linear and quadratic functions
- calculation of the slope of a line