Activity Description Enter a set of data points, then derive a function to fit those points. Manipulate the function on a coordinate plane using slider bars. Learn how each constant and coefficient affects the resulting graph.

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Data Flyer

Place in mathematics curriculum:

• Develop understanding of the Cartesian coordinate system
• Explore how changing coefficients affects the shape of a graph.

This activity allows the user to plot data points and a function on the same coordinate plane. This activity would work well in groups of three to four students for about 45 minutes if you use the exploration questions. Time will also vary depending on how many data sets you use.

Preparations for this activity:

• explain how to decide what type of relationship a set of data have
• give examples of real world situations where people try to fit a line to a set of data
• generalize the effects of changing the constants in the type of function the students are studying