LEARN NC

K–12 teaching and learning · from the UNC School of Education

Supply and demand

http://illuminations.nctm.org/LessonDetail.aspx?ID=L382

A lesson plan for Grades 9–10 and 12 Algebra 1

Provider: National Council of Teachers of Mathematics

About this resource

Appropriate grades
9–10 and 12
Subjects
mathematics (algebra, applied mathematics)
Provider
National Council of Teachers of Mathematics

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This activity focuses on having students create and solve a system of linear equations in a real-world setting. By solving the system, students will find the equilibrium point for supply and demand. Students should be familiar with finding linear equations from two points or slope and y-intercept. Graphing calculators are not necessary for this activity, but could be used to extend the ideas found on sheet 3. NCTM Publication-Based Lesson Plans are adapted from NCTM's journals. Illumiantions provides helpful activity sheets and detailed instructions for completing the lesson.

Students will:

  • Explain factors that affect supply and demand.
  • Find linear equations for given set of supply and demand data.
  • Find the equilibrium point for a system of supply and demand equations.
  • Translate between table, graph and equation representations for supply and demand data.

NCTM Standards and Expectations:

  • Approximate and interpret rates of change from graphical and numerical data.

North Carolina Curriculum Alignment

Mathematics (2004)

Grades 9–12 — Algebra 1

  • Goal 1: Number and Operations - The learner will perform operations with numbers and expressions to solve problems.
    • Objective 1.01: Write equivalent forms of algebraic expressions to solve problems.
      • Apply the laws of exponents.
      • Operate with polynomials.
      • Factor polynomials.
  • Goal 4: Algebra - The learner will use relations and functions to solve problems.
    • Objective 4.03: Use systems of linear equations or inequalities in two variables to model and solve problems. Solve using tables, graphs, and algebraic properties; justify results.