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Functions

Learning about functions can be complex and frustrating. Nonetheless, it is a critical concept if students are to understand algebra. This lesson allows students to play a function game using the spreadsheet. Students merely enter numbers in the "IN" box and a function is returned in the "OUT" box. The object of the exercise is to determine the function using the least number of trials.

Math Objective

To learn about functions

Skills/Outcomes

Working knowledge of functions

Knowledge of simple formatting commands in a spreadsheet

Files to Use

Download Info/Instructions

function.doc

function.xls

Optional Resources

calculators

Classroom Discussion and Activities

Computer Lab Activities

Classroom Discussion and Activities

This lesson is designed to accompany your teaching of functions. The activities described in mathematics textbooks are often abstract, conceptual, and relatively static. This lab activity making learning functions dynamic. Present the concept of functions in class, and stress the notion that functions generate a predictable pattern. That is, input leads to systematic output.

You may want to use calculators as a companion to your classroom instruction and text activities.

Computer Lab Activities

Teacher Note: The functions for each of the exercises in function.xls are in the black box. You can view the functions simply by clicking on the box and looking in the formula bar. Be sure to change the functions if you think that they are too difficult or too easy for your students.

Students will need a copy of the function.doc worksheet to record their answers. The object of the exercise is to figure out each of the functions using the least number of trials. As soon as the student determines the function, he or she should write it at the bottom of the page.

Open the file function.xls.

Each "IN" box begins with a 0. To play the game, students copy what is in the black box by using the = formula. For example, in the first problem, the student would begin in the way indicated below. They will need to do this for each function.

Walk the students through the first problem. Begin by replacing the contents of the first "IN" box with a 1. Make sure students record the "IN" and "OUT" box answers on their worksheets before entering a new number in the "IN" box.

After students finish working the first problem together, it would be useful to discuss how the function was derived. It is important that students can do the following:

State the function.

Discuss the function in terms of the pattern of numbers.

Be able to state an IN number and predict an OUT number.