fall-2017-final

Stories and Slopes

3. First, record the slope in the appropriate column. Second, find the equation of the first segment using only the y = mx + b form. (Notice the y-intercept is given for segment “1” on the graph above.) Third, record the ordered pairs of the first and last point of each segment in the table below. Fourth, using the point-slope formula, y = y 1 + m(x – x 1 ), find the equations for each of the remaining line segments. Finally, place each equation in y = mx + b form in the table below. Number and show your work below the table, clearly. Begin by writing the formula, y = y 1 + m(x – x 1 ).

Ordered pair of first point of segment

Ordered pair of last point of segment

Equation of line: y = mx+b

Segment

Slope (label ft/min)

1

20 ft/min

(0, 0)

(2, 40)

Y = 20x + 0

2

0 ft/min

(2, 40)

(5, 40)

Y = 40

3

-20 ft/min

(5, 40)

(7, 0)

Y = -20x + 140

4

0 ft/min

(7, 0)

(9, 0)

Y = 0

5

Y = 10x - 90

10 ft/min

(9, 0)

(12, 30)

6

50 ft/min

(12, 30)

(14, 130)

Y = 50x - 570

tation of the topic of slopes and this activity and to witnessing the energy and engagement of students, many of whom have been quiet most of the semes- ter. Through this interactive learning component of collaboration and storytelling while participating in an application-based activity, students are in a position to gain a stronger and deeper understand- ing of an important and relevant mathematics topic. through storytelling in higher education: Using reflection and experience to improve learning . Routledge. Gravemeijer, K., & Doorman, M. (1999). Context problems in realistic mathematics educa- tion: A calculus course as an example. Educational studies in mathematics , 39 (1-3), 111-129. References Alterio, M., & McDrury, J. (2003). Learning

National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. (2014). Principles to actions: ensuring mathematical success for all. Reston, VA: NCTM, National Council of teachers of Mathematics The Consortium for Foundation Mathematics. (2012). Mathematics in action. Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc. .

Denise Wilkinson Professor of Mathematics Associate Dean of Innovative Teaching and Engaged Learn- ing Virginia Wesleyan University dwilkinson@vwu.edu

Virginia Mathematics Teacher vol. 44, no. 1

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