Morrison Math

Sinusoidal functions are a staple of Algebra 2 and Pre-Calculus but the modeling problems in the textbooks are always so dry. I can't stand any more weights on a spring or riders on a ferris wheel! I wanted to make a problem that would be more interesting than the classic textbook tropes and I also wanted students to experience data that could be modeled this way. Of course, data is never perfect so the data provided here can be modeled with sine or cosine but no model will completely exact.

This is a large linear programming problem framed with maximizing profit for a car company, using two car models (named the Xerxes and the Yossarian for easy axis matching). I love linear programming because it requires the mastery of so many Algebra 1 topics. I have also used this problem as an opportunity to have my upperclassmen present to me their solutions and I help them with putting together a professional report. It's a good way to mix classroom math and job skills. I have used this

I have always struggled to find real application of the Rational Root Theorem, even though I love it so much. This is a volume optimization problem which lends itself to solving a cubic function. Attached is a list of Common Core standards addressed, an intro to the problem plus the problem itself and a full answer key with algebra and illustrations.

Using Newton's Law of Cooling, students can use logarithms to determine the culprit in an editable Who Dunnit? You can use your own students' names and they will really enjoy trying to figure out which one of them is guilty! Starts with a one page introduction to Newton's Law of Cooling with example. Answer key with work provided.

This is a project I use with my seniors about mortgage rates. This follows a unit using mortgage formulas, credit scores and their effect, monthly budgeting, etc. Included here is the project, a page of random information I assign to students (salary, interest rate, down payment) and also an Excel file that calculates every correct answer with the given information. All you need to do is put in the information for an individual student and all answers are automatically generated. Students fi

Students will use their knowledge of sinusoidal functions to take the perfect shot during a military operation. Hopefully more engaging than the "weight on a spring" problems that are in every textbook! Students will need to take many factors into account and do some calculations ahead of time to make sure they have everything in place. Included are an introduction to the problem and the problem itself, plus a fully fleshed out answer key with algebra and explanation.

This program for a Texas Instrument graphing calculator solves quadratic equations using the quadratic formula and also simplifies completely. TIs can solve quadratics but only with decimal approximations. This program simplifies radicals fully and will use i for imaginary roots. It will also flag if there are double roots. I have found this to be a big time saver in my class, when grading or when running through examples.