In this lesson, students explore and distinguish linear and exponential functions.

First, students distinguish stories as representing linear or exponential relationships. Then, they create a table of values and a graph, and finally choose an equation for each story.

Use the printable PDF version for in person learning or the digital Google Classroom version for online or hybrid learning.

This activity is great for partners or groups. It will get your students discussing math!

What’s included:

• Optional Intro Survey: Google Forms survey for students to identify 8 stories as linear or exponential
• Printable Card Sort: 8 real world stories for students to sort as linear or exponential and then match with equations, along with blank tables and graphs to fill in
• Digital Google Slides Version: 8 stories for students to use in completing a table and graph, along with choose an equation, and identify as linear or exponential
• Follow Up Activity: Questions in printable and digital (Google Slides) formats
• Answer Keys

Choose the version that best suits your students.

I recommend using this activity early in your Exponential Functions unit. This resource will deepen their understanding of what makes an exponential function. Most students can fill in a table of values based on a description. Then, they can use the table to create a graph, and then to choose the correct equation from the choices.

I hope this resource helps your students make sense of real world linear and exponential relationships!

Check out my entire Exponential Functions Unit for Algebra 1.