Big Ideas:
A linear function links equal differences over equal intervals. An exponential function links equal factors over equal intervals.
This lesson builds on a student's ability to recognize linear and exponential functions. This task uses an example of a student choosing between two investment opportunities. The student is presented with two situations, one being an exponential function and the second a linear function. The student must decide which opportunity is the better investment. This builds towards students being able to read a situation and be able to construct a function to model the situation.
Vocabulary:
Linear Function, Exponential Function
Lesson plan