Patterns and Functions: Function Table Equations

Objectives:

• Students will learn new ways of looking at x, y and the equation rule.

• Students will learn how to write an equation based on the information given in a table.

• Students will begin to learn foundation information for graphing equations.

• Students will practice writing equations based on function tables.

Suggested Grades:

Sixth Grade - Seventh Grade - Eighth Grade - Ninth Grade - including special education students

Lesson Procedure:

Print the classroom lesson plan and worksheet questions (see below).

Lesson Excerpt:

Introduction and Review

"Today we are going to continue our work with patterns and functions. Let's review some of the things that we have learned up until this point. I am going to put them on the board."

Note: Use student volunteers to explain or give examples. This is a good form of review for students. Remind them that if they need to take notes on this material again, that this is a good time to do so.

On Board: Function table - is a visual way to show a pattern and rule. The rule explains what happens to the x term (the input) to equal the y term (the output).

The rule can be written in words, but now in Algebra, we are writing the rule in the form of an equation. The equation takes the form y = x.

This means that y is a function of x. Another way of saying this is that x + rule determines y. The two are related and depend on each other.

The big question to ask yourself when looking at a function table is, "What is the pattern? What is the rule?"

"Are there any questions on any of the things that we have just covered?"

Allow time for student questions. When the students are clear, and the questions have been answered, go on to the new information.

Continued...