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DISCOVERING GROWTH PATTERNS

 

A Web Activity Comparing Linear and Exponential Growth

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Student Instructions

Instructions:

  • With a partner access each of the following web sites:

    1. Invasive Weeds: A Growing Pain
    2. Monthly Payments on a $100,000 Mortgage
    3. World Population Study
    4. Average Height of Children

     

  • At each site find the information requested on the Student Worksheet (html) / (pdf). (Either print out a copy or teacher will provide you one.)

     

  • Copy the data.

     

  • Make a prediction about the type of growth pattern each set of data represents: linear (arithmetic) or exponential (geometric).

     

  • Graph each set of data. If you are using the computer for graphing, go to graphing linear functions or to graphing exponential functions for instructions on graphing in ClarisWorks. Or, go to directions for Microsoft 3.0. (You may wish to print out the instructions.)
    1. Open ClarisWorks
    2. Make a New File
    3. Select Spreadsheet
    4. Enter your data
    5. Make graphs according to instructions you found in graphing linear functions or graphing exponential functions. You will need to give your graphs titles and determine the best parameters to use for representing the data.
    6. After completing each graph, copy it. Open a New File in Word Processing. Paste the graph to your new file. Then write a description of what your graph represents, what type of function you believe it represents, and state whether your prediction was correct.
    7. Print out your graph and description.

     

  • If you have using paper, pencil, and ruler, plot the points and graph each set of data on grid paper. Then write a description of what your graph represents, what type of function you believe it represents, and state whether your prediction was correct.