Mathematics Active Learning

This is a comprehensive treatment of the following matrix operations: items in the same position are equal when two matrices are equal, addition/subtraction of matrices, multiplication of a matrix by a scalar, multiplication of matrices, finding the inverse of a matrix and mixed operations within one problem. Each new section has a brief explanation of the process before the problem set. This could be used for guided instruction or group work.

Students cut apart triangles & squares and then match the sides to form a topaz shape. Students match expressions involving reciprocal identities and quotient identities. Transformations involve one or two steps.

Provided with graphs, students identify where the functions are constant, decreasing or increasing. Examples include graphs of all functions except trigonometric functions.

Students cut apart small squares to form a large square. To accomplish this, they must match polar coordinates to their equivalent rectangular coordinates. All polar coordinates are in radians and involve exact values.

This is an outline with all that students need to know to graph and write equations for Polynomial (Linear, Second Degree and Higher Degree), Rational, Radical and Transcendental (Trig and Log) Relations. Includes Conic Sections. I give this to my Calculus students at the beginning of the year and use parts of it for Pre-Calculus. My students have expressed that it is very useful, so I offer it here.

From graphs of pairs of linear and quadratic (vertical parabolas only) inequalities, students write equations of the two graphs. NOTE: You may have a pdf version which requires layering before you print. Be patient.

Students cut apart triangles and then match the sides to form a larger triangle. Students match an expression having four terms with varied configurations (including adding, subtracting, multiplying, dividing, raising to a power and involving parenthesis) to the correct answer using the order of operations. All answers involve whole numbers.

This is a series of compound areas of figures involving squares, rectangles and triangles.

Students follow a path around the sheet, starting with a trig expression. For each step in the path, students add, subtract, multiply or divide by a simple trig expression or the numeral 1. The final operation brings the result back to the original expression. Operations involve reciprocal, rational and Pythagorean identities. This activity would be best used at an early stage in learning these identities.

Students write linear inequalities for the graph of a system of two linear inequalities. The graphs are large so that the graphs are easily read with shading. To save paper, select print two pages on one in the pdf file. NOTE: You may have a pdf version which requires layering before you print. Be patient.

Given the graph of a quadratic inequality (vertical parabolas only), students write the equation of the inequality.

Students cut apart small triangles and match improper fractions to their equivalent mixed numbers. There are a few denominators so that students must actually work out the problems. Whole numbers range from one to six.

Given graphs of a system of two quadratic (vertical parabolas only) inequalities, students write equation that describe the graphs.

As a class, students create a Polar Graph Booklet. Each group will investigate a type of polar coordinate graph and create a page for the booklet. The pages will be written to explain what can be expected of the graph of different types of equations in polar form, to a student of PreCalculus who has not yet studied Polar Coordinate graphs. Students assume they know what polar coordinates are and how to graph them. The teacher assigns each team a particular Parent Graph in polar form. Students us

Students match binomial and trinomial expressions with their equivalent factored forms involving the greatest common factor.