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Natalie Manosar

Interpreting Rates of Change

Grades: 9th Grade, 7th Grade, 8th Grade
Subjects: STEAM, Math

Student Instructions

A RATE OF CHANGE describes how one quantity is changing in relation to another quantity. We use rates of change to describe the slope of lines, speed, the value of a stock, etc. Essential Question: How does the steepness of a line relate to the value of it's rate of change? Analyze the given graphs and interpret the rates of change to answer the given questions. Use the pen and label tools to provide your reasoning.

Teacher Notes (not visible to students)

Slide 1: 1) Segment 1 has the greatest rate of change; the line has the steepest slope. 2) Segment 4 has a rate of change closest to zero; it is the flattest of the line segments, closest to horizontal. 3) Segment 3 has the lowest rate of change as it is a negative slope; the line is going downhill from left to right, decreasing. Although, some may argue that again segment 4 has the lowest rate of change if we consider the value only and not the direction as segment 4 is the closest to zero. Slide 2: 1) Segment 3 is most likely when Johnny is stuck in traffic. This segment has the lowest rate of change which indicates a lower speed. 2) Segment 4 is most likely when Johnny is the most susceptible to a speeding ticket as it represents the greatest rate of change (speed).

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