Mr Steffes

This is a graphic organizer to be used as notes for modeling polynomial functions from data in a precalculus course. Graphs are shown for linear, quadratic, cubic, and quartic functions, examples are given for choosing which type of function to use from a scatter plot, then calculator instructions are given (TI-83/84) for finding regression equations. Answer key not included.

This is a worksheet for students to create their own word problem (filling in the blanks like Mad Libs) to write a composition of functions in two ways to compare prices of a product they are going to buy. This shows the difference between f(g(x)) and g(f(x)) in terms of real-world problems. This can be done in groups or individually and can be presented.

This is a graphic organizer to be used as notes or as a reference sheet for graphing and solving compound inequalities. Definitions are given for conjunctions (and), disjunctions (or), intersection, and union. A real world example is given of each type along with algebraic examples. Solutions to the examples are not provided.

This is a graphic organizer to be used as notes or a reference sheet. You can show with a flow chart the standard form and exponential notation of a number, identifying the base and the exponent. Definitions are provided for exponents, positive, zero, and negative. Then there are examples of simplifying exponential expressions. The second part gives definitions and examples of exponent rules: multiplication, division, power to a power, and power of a product. Answers are not included.

This is an activity to introduce students to square roots. They draw 5 squares, give the side length and area of each, then do likewise with squares whose side lengths are not whole numbers. Finally, they make a conjecture between the relationship between the side length and area of a square. Make sure that students are only drawing squares as opposed to other rectangles.

This is a graphic organizer to be used as notes for solving equations with fractions, decimals, and parentheses. The first step is to eliminate each of these and then solve the resulting linear equation.

This is a graphic organizer to be used as notes or a reference sheet. It gives definitions, properties, and examples of absolute value, including for products, quotients, and powers. Then there are examples of graphing absolute value equations and inequalities. Finally there are rules and examples for solving and graphing absolute value equations and inequalities.

This graphic organizer provides a definition and an opportunity for up to three examples (not included) for vocabulary associated with polynomials: polynomial, term, coefficient, degree, polynomial function, and like terms. Examples can be done as a large group, in small groups, or individually.

This is a graphic organizer that can be used to teach basic matrix operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication by a constant, and multiplication of matrices. Students can use this as a study tool and reference guide.

This is to be used as notes for a precalculus or algebra 2 course on conic sections. It provides a helpful resource for describing the graphs and equations for ellipses and has space for a couple of examples in writing an equation from given points and graphing an equation.

This is a graphic organizer to be used as notes for an algebra or algebra 2 course AFTER using the sheet "Factoring Special Polynomials". This shows the process of factoring polynomials of the form ax^2+bx+c as well as using a common factor AND another method after that.

This worksheet is designed to be customized by the user to fit his/her unique carnival-style game to play in the classroom to collect data. I hung a fake $1,000,000 bill from the strap of an old t.v. stand and had students throw 10 paper balls to see how many times they could knock it down. It also works well with paper balls and a trash basket to see how many "baskets" they can make. You could also change the number of contestants in the table, though it is a good idea to have more than 10 so

This is a graphic organizer to use as notes in an Algebra class. It includes the definition of slope, the slope formula, two examples to find the slope of a line given two points on a line, examples of vertical and horizontal lines, and using the slope to write an equation in point-slope form.

This is a graphic organizer to be used as notes or a reference sheet on how to use the distributive property and to factor an algebraic expression. Definitions are also provided for algebraic expressions, terms, coefficients, and factors.

This is a graphic organizer to be used as a reference for the graphs of parent functions including constant, linear, quadratic, cubic, radical, absolute value, greatest integer, and rational. This was used for a precalculus course. The sheet is designed to be cut in half and used as half-sheets.

This is a graphic organizer to be used as notes for an Algebra 2 course to introduce quadratic equations and to provide examples of solving quadratic equations by factoring and by using square roots. The first page is to be used for defining "quadratic equations" by describing them on the right side (such as "equation", "second degree", "non-linear graph") and providing a few examples below, perhaps including a graph as well.

This is to be used as a reference sheet for any type of function for reflections, translations, and dilations of the parent function. An example is given for each with a quadratic parent function.

This is a graphic organizer to use as notes for solving rational equations for an Algebra 2 course. A definition of a rational equation is given, steps listed for solving, and 4 examples (answers not included) given.

This is a graphic organizer to be used as notes for continuous versus discontinuous functions in a precalculus course. It gives definitions of three types of discontinuous graphs and two examples of determining discontinuity of a function.

This is a graphic organizer to teach the trigonometric ratios, starting with defining lengths of the hypotenuse, opposite side, and adjacent side to angle theta. Definitions are to be given for sine, cosine, tangent, cotangent, secant, and cosecant. Then examples are given (answers not provided) for finding each six functions. This is to be used as a reference sheet or study guide.