LEARN NC

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

Algebra 2

Goal 2: Algebra - The learner will use relations and functions to solve problems.

Objective 2.04. Create and use best-fit mathematical models of linear, exponential, and quadratic functions to solve problems involving sets of data.

  • Interpret the constants, coefficients, and bases in the context of the data.
  • Check the model for goodness-of-fit and use the model, where appropriate, to draw conclusions or make predictions.

Additional related resources

We’re in the process of aligning our content for students to the Standard Course of Study. As we do, you’ll find it here.

General resources

Aligned lesson plans

Learning to use R statistical software for linear regression — An alternative to the graphing calculator
In Understanding data mining: Extracting, organizing, and analyzing large sets of data, page 2
Students often learn how to do linear regression activities using a graphing calculator. This lesson provides an opportunity to complete these same types of assignments using R statistical software. Students will use this free software to create scatter plots and to develop linear regression models that can be used to make predictions.
Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Mathematics)
By Dail Midgette.
Learning to use R statistical software for data mining — Putting it all together
In Understanding data mining: Extracting, organizing, and analyzing large sets of data, page 4
Students will mine data to identify the variables that most significantly impact the...
Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Mathematics)
By Dail Midgette.
Learning to use R statistical software for data mining — An extension of linear regression to multiple variables
In Understanding data mining: Extracting, organizing, and analyzing large sets of data, page 3
In this lesson, students will use the free R statistical software to navigate through the basics of data mining, a process in which the effects of individual variables can be determined. Students will utilize multiple methods of variable selection — forward selection, backward selection, and stepwise selection — in an attempt to determine which variables are most influential in a given situation.
Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Mathematics)
By Dail Midgette.
Half-life
In Integrating Chemistry and Algebra II, page 5
This activity integrates Chemistry and Algebra II by using the concepts of half-life and exponential decay. Half-life is a way for students to see a real-life use of exponential decay functions.
Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Mathematics and Science)
By Jennifer Elmo.
Density
In Integrating Chemistry and Algebra II, page 3
Students will determine the density of two unknown liquids by collecting mass and volume data. Each group of students will be given a different volume of the liquids to measure, they will combine their data to create a graph. Using the graph students will determine the density of the two liquids by calculating the slope of the two lines. Students will also use a graphing calculator to determine the slope of the two lines.
Format: lesson plan (grade 8–12 English Language Arts, Mathematics, and Science)
By Jennifer Elmo.
Data gathering - Linear regressions
In groups of three, students gather data by experiment or observation in one of nine activities. Each group models the data they gathered, creates a display, and presents results to the class using an overhead projector.
Format: lesson plan (grade 8–12 Mathematics)
By Judy Pickering.
Chutes and ladders - Quadratic equations review
This lesson is designed as a review lesson for solving quadratic equations. Students will play the game "Chutes and Ladders," modified for quadratic equations, as they review for the test.
Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Mathematics)
By michelle longest.

Resources on the web

Traveling Distances
Students interpret the meaning of the slope and y-intercept of the graph of real-life data. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Mathematics)
Provided by: National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
My Graph Is...
Students select their own real-life data to plot and interpret. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Mathematics)
Provided by: National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
Movie lines
This Illuminations lesson allows students to apply their knowledge of linear equations and graphs in an authentic situation. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Mathematics)
Provided by: National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
Modeling Orbital Debris Problems
Students examine the problem of space pollution caused by human-made debris in orbit to develop an understanding of functions and modeling. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Mathematics)
Provided by: National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
Gallery Walk
Students view the work of other students in the class and explain their own work. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Mathematics)
Provided by: National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
Evaluating mathematical models
The purpose of this lesson is to evaluate several mathematical models using the Internet as a resource. Science NetLinks provides links to necessary web resources and detailed instructions for completing the lesson. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Mathematics)
Provided by: Science Netlinks
The Effects of Outliers
Students investigate the relationship between a set of data points and a line used to fit the data points using a computer-based interactive tool, the Regression Line Applet. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Mathematics)
Provided by: National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
Correlation and the Regression Line
Students investigate the relationship between a set of data points and a line used to fit the data points using a computer-based interactive tool, the Regression Line Applet. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Mathematics)
Provided by: National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
Bathtub Water Levels
Students examine real-life data that illustrates a negative slope. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Mathematics)
Provided by: National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
Automobile Mileage: Years Since 1990 vs. Mileage
This lesson provides an opportunity for the students to analyze how changing the independent variable in a set of data can result in a different least squares regression line. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Mathematics)
Provided by: National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
Automobile Mileage: Year vs. Mileage
Students plot data about automobile mileage and interpret the meaning of the slope and y-intercept in the resulting equation for the least squares regression line. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Mathematics)
Provided by: National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
Automobile Mileage: Comparing and Contrasting
This lesson allows students the time they need to think about and discuss what they have done in the previous lessons. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Mathematics)
Provided by: National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
Automobile Mileage: Age vs. Mileage
Students plot data about automobile mileage and interpret the meaning of the slope and y-intercept of the least squares regression line. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Mathematics)
Provided by: National Council of Teachers of Mathematics