* Graphing
Calculator activities with Linear Functions * Exercise 1 *
The graph of a Linear
Function is a straight line such as: / --- \ Lean to R or L or Horizontal!
Note Horizontal in the middle of the examples! Why is a Linear Function not Vertical?
Slope is an important concept with straight lines. Slope is defined to be Rise/Run of a straight line.
Slope can be compared to a right triangle. The hypotenuse as the line and the two sides as the Rise/Run.
Graphing Calculators need the equation of a line to be in Slope-Intercept form: y = mx + b
Graphing Calculators accept the right side of this equation.
m = Slope is large or small and (+) or (-) b = Intercept or where a line crosses the y axis.
A review of Linear Functions might help. Ok, let's try a few exercises with graphing straight lines.
Remember all you have to do is type in the GC Mode of the equation and press enter.
Remember to use symbols: ( * )
for multiply and
( / ) for divide and
( ^ ) for exponents.
Examples: 2 * 3 = 6 12 / 4 = 3 3^2=9
Maybe, print out this page before starting this Graphing Calculator activities.
What happens to a straight line as m gets larger?
Which way does the line slope: Right or Left? Intercept?
Math Mode: y =
+2x GC Mode: 2*x
Math Mode: y = +4x GC Mode: 4*x
What happens when the slope m is Negative? Direction?
Which way does the line slope: Right or Left? Intercept?
Math Mode: y = -1x GC
Mode: -x
Math Mode: y = -2x
GC Mode: -2*x
Math Mode: y = -4x GC Mode: -4*x
What happens to the straight line as m gets smaller?
Which way does the line slope: Right or Left? Intercept?
Math Mode: y =
+1x GC
Mode: x
Math Mode: y =
+1/2x GC Mode: 1/2*x
Math Mode: y = +1/4x GC Mode: 1/4*x
What happens when the slope m is Negative? Direction?
Which way does the line slope: Right or Left? Intercept?
Math Mode: y = -1x
GC
Mode: -x
Math Mode: y = -1/2x
GC Mode: -1/2*x
Math Mode: y = -1/4x GC Mode: -1/4*x
Click on one of the Online Calculators: I like the first one but they are all great!
GCalc The equation box is at the top of the screen.
Oh yel, you have to press the Click to Start GCalc button.
Click the Reset Button (Top Right) and Yes to clear screen.
CoolMath Graphing Calculator The equation box is at the top of the screen.
Click the Cls button at the bottom right of commands to clear screen.
GraphIt Graphing Calculator The equation box is at the bottom of the screen.
Oh yel, you have to press the Plot It! at bottom left of screen.
Also, click the check mark in front of grid before starting to show grid.
Also, typing in a new Linear Function automatically clears the screen.