Activity Description Graph recursive functions by defining f(0)=C and defining f(n) based on f(n-1).

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Recursion

Place in mathematics curriculum:

This activity can be used to:

• Teach students about recursive equations
• Show up to three recursive equations on a graph
• Trace individual values of a recursive equation using a graph

This activity allows the user to explore different recursive equations. This activity would work well in small groups of 2-3 for about 40 minutes if you use the exploration questions and 20 minutes otherwise.

Preparations for this activity:

• provide a variety of recursive equations for students to try. For example experiment with multiplying and dividing.
• encourage students to test different initial values
• connect recursive equations to real life examples such as compounding interest
• show students how to read the graph and trace the values of the recursive equation at each point and switch from one equation to the next