Learning Resources

Materials required to model this investigation include:

1. grid paper
2. string
3. graphing technology

Procedure A    Model the garden problem by using the grid paper or string. 50 cm of string may be used to represent the 50 meters  of fencing. Working with a partner, one student can hold the end of the string against the wall and the other manipulate it for the various required lengths to create different rectangles. Calculate each area and record as indicated. (Recall the area of a rectangle is ) . The thing to note is that the perimeter remains constant (50 cm) while the area varies as the width of the rectangle changes.

Procedure C    Using scatter plots and regression find the curve of best fit or use sequences of differences and systems of equations to find the required equation.