Student Page 2.2.3 It's A Matter of Scale
How important are the scales chosen for both the horizontal and vertical axes to the appearance of a graph or a group of graphs? Think about this question as you work together on the following tasks.
Among groups, compare graphs for Student Page Exercise 2.2.3.3 and Task 2.2.3.4.a. What do you notice? Think about these questions:
Are all of the graphs the same shape?
Why did all of the graphs look the same in Student Page Exercise 2.2.3.3?
Why do the graphs look different in Task 2.2.3.4.a
Discuss the importance of scale.
Think about Location, Location, Location How important was scale in helping you determine the location of each place? Does the
Directions: Each group member receives a card with an equation on it and both
1.
Starting with zero at the origin, the point where the axes intersect, each tick mark increases by the amount of the scale provided. Label both the
2.
Create a table that fits the equation and
3.
(a)
Compare the graphs drawn by members of your group and class. What do you notice?
(b)
Look carefully at the equations plotted and the scales used. Should the graphs appear as they do? Why or why not?
(c)
Explain why the graphs appear as they do.
4.
Work with other members of your group.
(a)
Graph the equations each person was provided on the same graph using the largest
(b)
What do you notice?
(c)
Discuss any differences in the appearances of the graphs compared to the graphs plotted in Student Page Exercise 2.2.3.2.
(d)
Why do the graphs in Student Page Exercise 2.2.3.2 look different from the graphs in Task 2.2.3.4.a?
5.
Write about the importance of scale in graphing.