Teacher Resources

In this module, students will look at arithmetic patterns as linear functions and geometric patterns as exponential functions. They will use the equations and graphs that model the functions to form conclusions and make predictions with respect to the relationships that the functions describe.

This self-paced module is aligned with the Maryland College- and Career-Ready Standards in Mathematics for Algebra 1, which are based on the Common Core State Standards (CCSS).

This module contains several interactive features. Watch the Learn How to Use this Module tutorial to familiarize yourself with these features.

Please review the Accessibility page for all of your students.

Module Information

  • Grade Band: Algebra 1, Grades 7-12
  • Topic: Arithmetic and Geometric Sequences
  • Completion Time: 10 - 20 minutes
  • Vocabulary: Visit the Glossary page for definitions of key vocabulary in this module.
  • Focus Standards:
    • CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.HSF.LE.A.1 - Distinguish between situations that can be modeled with linear functions and with exponential functions.
    • CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.HSF.LE.A.2 - Construct linear and exponential functions, including arithmetic and geometric sequences, given a graph, a description of a relationship, or two input-output pairs (include reading these from a table).
    • CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.HSF.LE.A.3 - Observe using graphs and tables that a quantity increasing exponentially eventually exceeds a quantity increasing linearly, quadratically, or (more generally) as a polynomial function.

    This module focuses on the construction of equations for arithmetic sequences and geometric sequences understood to be linear functions and exponential functions, respectively. Quadratic functions and other polynomial functions are not addressed in this module.

  • Skills
    • Distinguish between linear and exponential functions.
    • Construct linear and exponential functions when given arithmetic and geometric sequences.
    • Interpret and compare the graphs and equations of linear and exponential functions.

Student Resources for this Module

In this module, students are provided with a link to an external website(s). The site has been chosen for its content and grade-level appropriateness. Efforts are made to minimize linking to websites that contain advertisements or comments, but some websites may contain these features. Teachers should preview all websites before introducing the activities to students and adhere to their school system's policy for Internet use. In addition, multimedia on these externally linked sites may not be accessible to all users, such as those individuals requiring a screen reader or using a tablet.

The following website is linked to from this module:

Sequences as Functions - Explicit Opens a new window

Using This Site

This lesson is built for use on classroom computers and tablets. If you have access to a desktop computer, laptop, tablet or an interactive whiteboard in your classroom, you may complete the lesson in your classroom. Otherwise, you will need to schedule time to use your school's computer lab. For technical specifications, see below.

Some activities on this site may include videos and narration, so you may want to have headphones available for students working at individual stations. For best results in viewing the videos and interactives, you should have a high-speed, stable Internet connection.

This lesson may contain PDFs for students to complete. They can print the PDFs and fill them out by hand, or download the files and fill them out on the computer. Most or all portions can be filled out online. Please check with your Instructional Technology Specialist for instructions on downloading the PDF. (Note that to complete the PDFs on the computer, you will need a viewer, such as Adobe Reader, that supports forms.)

Technology

This site is an Internet-based activity, and it was built to run on the following computer operating systems and browsers:

  • Windows 7 or Newer: IE 8, 9, 10, 11; Current version of Chrome; Current version of Firefox
  • Mac OS 10.7 or Newer: Current version of Safari
  • iPad2/iOS6 or Newer: Current version of Safari
  • Android 4.0 or Newer: Current version of Android browser
  • Chromebook: Current version of Chrome

Users running Internet Explorer 8 will not be able to use the highlighter tool. Instead, teachers should consider partnering students for a brief discussion.

Visit the Accessibility page for detailed information on the site's accessibility features.