Algebra I
View Activity ArchivesActivity:
Double Tree
Posted on Apr 16, 2009
Topic: Exponential & Radical Functions
In this activity, students model tree growth using the sequence 2n. They use the Line command to draw line segments, representing the height of a tree. The commands shown in the screenshot, draws lines from (1, 0) to (1, 2) and (2, 0) to (2, 4).
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Activity Key Steps:
In this problem, students model the growth of a tree that doubles each year using the sequence 2n. They graph the sequence by creating segments and then measuring them.
After building the sequence on the graph, students will write it with sequence notation and create it numerically on a Lists & Spreadsheet page.
Students will graph a scatter plot of the data on the same page as their graph to compare the lengths of the segments to the points of the plot. This will confirm that this sequence models the heights produced by 2n.
Students return to the Lists & Spreadsheet page and extend their sequence into the negative values. They will see that the negative and positive powers of 2 are parts of the same sequence. ¶ At the end of this activity, students will be able to graph the first 10 terms of a sequence of the form tn= an and model other real world applications that follow a similar concept.