Mcv4u Unit 1

TIPS4RM: MCV4U: Unit 1 Rates of Change 2008 1
Unit 1: Rates of Change MVC4U

Lesson Outline

Big Picture

Students will:
connect slopes of secants to average rates of change, and slopes of tangents to instantaneous rates of change in
a variety of contexts;
approximate rates of change graphically and numerically.
Day Lesson Title Math Learning Goals Expectations
1 Rates of Change
Revisited

GSP
file:
Ball Bounces
Describe real-world applications of rates of change, e.g.,
flow, problems using verbal and graphical representations,
e.g., business, heating, cooling, motion, currents, water
pressure, population, environment, transportations.
Describe connections between average rate of change and
slope of secant, and instantaneous rate of change and slope of
tangent in context.
A1.1, A1.2

CGE 2b, 3c, 5a
2 Determine
Instantaneous Rate
of Change using
Technology

GSP
files,
Fathom files, and
Excel file:
Go with the flow
With or without technology, determine approximations of
and make connections between instantaneous rates of change
as secant lines tend to the tangent line in context.
A1.3

CGE 3c, 4b, 4f
3 Exploring the
Concept of a Limit
Explore the concept of a limit by investigating numerical and
graphical examples and explain the reasoning involved.
Explore the ratio of successive terms of sequences and series,
using both divergent and convergent examples, e.g., explore
the nature of a function that approaches an asymptote
(horizontal and vertical).
A1.4

CGE 2b, 3c, 5a
45 Calculating an
Instantaneous Rate
of Change using a
Numerical Approach

GSP
file:
Secant Slope

(lesson for Day 5 not
included)
Connect average rate of change to
( ) ( ) f a h f a
h
+
and
instantaneous rate of change to
( ) ( )
lim
0
f a h f a
h h
+
.
A1.5, A1.6

CGE 3c, 4f
67 J azz/Summative

Unit 1: Day 1: Revisiting Rates of Change MVC4U

75 min
Math Learning Goals
Describe real-world applications of rates of change using verbal and graphical
representations, e.g., business, heating, cooling, motion, currents, water pressure,
population, environment, transportation.
Describe connections between average rate of change and instantaneous rate of
change in context.
Materials
chart paper and
markers
computer and
data projector
BLMs 1.1.11.1.5
Assessment
Opportunities

Minds On
Groups Graffiti
Post seven pieces of chart paper each containing a term students encountered in
MHF4U. Give each group a different coloured marker.
In heterogeneous groups of three or four students have 30 seconds to write
anything they know about the term using numbers, symbols, and/or words.
Groups move through all seven charts.
Whole Class Discussion
Using the four scenarios provided on BLM 1.1.1, review connections between
rates of change and the slopes of secants and tangents.
Guiding questions:
Describe the rate of change of the walleye population over the 25 year period.
Would you expect half of the water to drain in half the time? Justify.
What is the rockets instantaneous rate of change at four seconds? Describe
what the rocket is doing at this point of time.
Although the Ferris wheel is turning at a constant rate, the rate of change of
height is not constant. Explain why.

Action!
Pairs Investigation
Curriculum Expectation Observation/Mental Note: Observe to identify
students ability to make connections between the average rate of change and
slope of secant and instantaneous rate of change and slope of tangent.
Students complete the investigation on average and instantaneous rates of change
from BLM 1.1.2.
Mathematical Process Focus: Connecting

Consolidate
Debrief
Whole Group Discussion
Share findings with the class. Address any misunderstandings.
Guiding Questions:
Describe how to select points on a curve so that the slope secant better
represents the instantaneous rate of change at any point in the interval.
How would you change the intervals around each bounce to provide better
information about the average and instantaneous rates of change of the ball?
Pairs Pair/Share: Frayer Model
A coaches B in completing a Frayer model for average rate of change. B coaches
A in completing Frayer model for instantaneous rate of change (BLM 1.1.4).

Word Wall
dependent variable
independent
variable
finite differences
slope of secant line
slope of tangent
line
average rate of
change
instantaneous rate
of change

See pp. 6668
Think Literacy:
Cross-Curricular
Approaches,
Grades 712 for
more information on
Graffiti.

GSP
sketch Ball
Bounces.gsp can be
used to demonstrate.
Make use of an
interactive
whiteboard, if
available.

Consider using a
computer lab with
GSP
to complete
the investigation on
BLM 1.1.2.

See pp. 162165 of
Think Literacy:
Cross-Curricular
Approaches,
Grades 712 for
more information on
Frayer Models.
Application
Home Activity or Further Classroom Consolidation
Gather examples of rates of change from your life using Worksheet 1.1.5.

1.1.1: Revisiting Rates of Change

1.
25-year Walleye Population
Year Walleye Population
0 3000
1 3400
2 3720
3 3976
4 4181
5 4345
6 4476
7 4581
8 4665
9 4732
10 4786
11 4829
12 4863
13 4890
14 4912
15 4930
16 4944
17 4955
18 4964
19 4971
20 4977
21 4982
22 4986
23 4989
24 4991
25 4993
2.
Down the Drain
The plug is pulled in a small hot tub. The table on
the right gives the volume of water in the tub from
the moment the plug is pulled, until it is empty.

Source:
http://www.clipsahoy.com/webgraphics/as0963.htm
Draining Water
from a Hot Tub
Time (s) Volume (L)
0 1600
10 1344
20 1111
30 900
40 711
50 544
60 400
70 278
80 178
90 100
100 44
110 11
120 0
A Fish Story

A pond was stocked with a type of fish called "walleye.
The table on the left gives the population of walleye in the
pond for the 25 years following the stocking of the pond.

1.1.1: Revisiting Rates of Change (continued)

3.

Blast Off
A rocket is launched.
The graph shows its
height above the
ground from time of
launching to return to
earth.

4.

1.1.2: Thats the Way the Ball Bounces!

Kevin dropped a ball and collected the height (m) at various times (s). A graph of the data he
collected is provided.

Part A: Average Rate of Change
Kevin wants to look at rate of change of the height at various times. He hopes to determine how
quickly the height was changing at various times. Kevin first looks at the average rate of change
for specific time intervals. Complete the table with the information in the graph.

Interval Coordinates of End Points
Average
Rate of Change
AB
BC
CD
DE
EF
FG
GH

What do the values for average rate of change tell you about the path of the ball and the speed
of the ball?

1.1.2: Thats The Way the Ball Bounces! (continued)

Part B: Instantaneous Rate of Change
Next, Kevin wants to find a point in each interval whose tangent has the same instantaneous
rate of change as each secant.

Sketch a curve of best fit for this data in one colour and draw the secants for the intervals in
another colour.

For each time interval, locate the point on the graph between the endpoints whose tangent
appears to have the same rate of change as the average rate of change for that interval.

1. On the interval AB the average rate of change is ___________. The point whose tangent
matches this rate of change is (________, ________). Draw the instantaneous rate of
change at this point, if possible.

2. On the interval BC, the average rate of change is ___________. The point that most closely
matches this rate of change is (________, ________).

3. On the interval CD, the average rate of change is ___________. The point that most closely
matches this rate of change is (________, ________). Draw the tangent at this point, if
possible.

4. On the interval EF, the average rate of change is ___________. The point that most closely
matches this rate of change is (________, ________). Draw the tangent at this point, if
possible.

1.2.2: Thats The Way the Ball Bounces! (continued)

5. On the interval GH, the average rate of change is ____________. The point that most
closely matches this rate of change is (______, ______).

Kevin notices some problems for some of the intervals.

a) For which intervals is it difficult to find a matching point?

b) Why is if difficult to find instantaneous rate of change for these intervals?

c) What was happening to the motion of the ball in these intervals?

1.1.3: Thats The Way the Ball Bounces! (Teacher)

The following provides the coordinates of all the data points gathered by the ball bounce
experiment.

Time
(s)
Height
(cm)
0.00 212
0.03 182
0.07 147
0.10 103
0.13 55
0.17 0
0.20 40
0.23 80
0.26 114
0.30 141
0.33 161
0.36 177
0.40 182
0.43 182
0.46 178
0.50 164
0.53 146
0.56 118
0.59 87
0.63 49
0.66 2
0.69 30
0.73 63
0.76 89
0.79 108
0.83 120
0.86 129
0.89 126
0.92 121
0.96 105
0.99 86
1.02 63
1.06 27

1.1.4: Frayer Model

Name: ______________________________________Date: _____________________

Definition Characteristics
Examples Non-Examples

Average Rate
of Change

1.1.4: Frayer Model (continued)

Definition Characteristics
Examples Non-Examples

Instantaneous
Rate of
Change

1.1.4: Frayer Model Solutions (Teacher)

Definition

Average Rate of Change is the measure of the rate of change for
a continuous function over a time interval.
Characteristics

The rate can be represented as the slope of a secant line
between the end points of the interval
The slope of the secant line is equivalent to the average
rate of change
Cannot be determined over intervals for functions that have
non-continuous intervals such as cusps and vertical
asymptotes
The sign of the slope indicates whether a function is
increasing or decreasing
Examples

Average speed of a car for a trip
Speed =
distance travelled
elapsed time

Average rate of bacteria growth
Slope of Secant =
h
a f h a f ) ( ) ( +

Non-Examples

Average height
Average class mark
Average income of families

Average Rate
of Change

1.1.4: Frayer Model Solutions (Teacher)

Definition

Instantaneous Rate of Change is the measure of the rate of
change for a continuous function at point on the function.
Characteristics

The rate can be represented as the slope of the tangent
line to a curve at a particular point
The slope of the tangent line is equivalent to the
instantaneous rate of change
Cannot be determined when there is a drastic change in
the motion of an object such as at the point an object
bounces
Cannot be determined for functions that are not continuous
or have vertical asymptotes

Examples

Real-time readout of speed of a car.
Real-time readout of a geiger counter measuring radioactivity
Slope of Tangent to a curve
Non-Examples

Average rate of change of a function
Gauges that do not measure rates such as: odometer in a
car, altimeter in an aircraft,

Instantaneous
Rate of
Change

1.1.5: Bringing It All Together

Describe an example in your life that matches each of the following situations. Explain why you
believe each situation models the requirements stated.

Use any of the examples or situations different from those discussed in class!

1. Positive average rate of change all of the time.

2. Positive average rate of change sometimes and a negative average rate of change
sometimes.

3. Instantaneous rate of change equal to zero at least once.

4. Instantaneous rate of change which cannot be calculated at least once.

GSP
File: Ball Bounces

Unit 1: Day 2: Go with the Flow MVC4U

75 min
Math Learning Goals
Make connections with or without graphing technology between an approximate
value of the instantaneous rate of change at a given point on the graph of a smooth
function and average rates of change over intervals containing the point.
Use the slopes of a series of secants through a given point on a smooth curve to
approximate the slope of the tangent at the point.
Materials
BLMs 1.2.11.2.6
plastic bottles
1-2L graduated
cylinders or
measuring cups
water
stop watch
Assessment
Opportunities

Minds On
Pairs Think/Pair/Share
Use the context of water flowing out of a water reservoir tank and BLMs 1.2.1
and 1.2.2 to activate prior knowledge about average and instantaneous rate of
change and to determine what students know about rate of change.

Action!
Small Groups Investigation
Curriculum Expectation/Observation/Mental Note: Observe to identify
students ability to make connections between the average rate of change over an
interval containing a point and the instantaneous rate of change at a given point.
Students work in groups of three or four using BLM 1.2.3 to understand the
instantaneous rate of change of the volume of water as it flows out of a container
with respect to time and to recognize this to be the instantaneous rate of flow.
Students approximate the instantaneous rate of water flowing from a plastic
drink container into a measuring cup or graduated cylinder, using a series of
secants to the graph showing the relationship between the volume of water
flowing out of the plastic drink container and time.
Differentiating Instruction: The investigation can be changed to height versus
time by placing a measured tape on the straight side of the container and
adjusting the BLM appropriately.
Mathematical Process Focus: Connecting, Selecting Tools and Strategies.

Consolidate
Debrief
Students share results and strategies used to answer the questions in the
investigation (BLM 1.2.3). Use the points made by students to consolidate the
following:
The difference between average and instantaneous rate of water flow.
The connection between average rate of water flow with secants and
instantaneous rate of water flow with tangents to the graph.
The challenge of determining the instantaneous rate of water flow.
The use of secants (or average rates of water flow) to approximate the
instantaneous rate of water flow at a given point in time.

Go with the flow.ftm
Go with the flow
exemplar.ftm
Go with the flow
exemplar2.ftm
Go with the
flow.gsp
Go with the flow
exemplar.gsp
Go with the flow.xls

Collect and prepare
plastic cylindrical
containers of various
sizes.

Cards (BLM 1.2.4)
are available to
provide additional
scaffolding.

BLM 1.2.5 provides
instructions for using
technology to graph
the data and find
slopes of secants.
Concept Practice
Consolidate your learning (Worksheet 1.2.6).

1.2.1: Think/Pair/Share

Context
Answer each question regarding how water will flow out of the water
reservoir shown. Assume the tank is cylindrical and the water is
draining out of the bottom of the tank.

1. Do you think the rate of flow of the water out of the reservoir tank
is constant? Explain your reasoning.

2. Using Worksheet 1.2.2, consider possible models for the relationship between the volume of
water flowing out of the reservoir tank and time.
a) Which model(s) would you immediately dismiss and why?

b) Which graph best models the relationship between the total water that has flowed out of
the tank and time? J ustify your choice.

3. The average rate of flow is a measure of the rate of change of the volume of water that has
flowed out of the reservoir over a given time interval. Use the graph chosen above to explain
how the average rate of flow changes as the reservoir empties.

4. Describe the difference between an average rate of flow and an instantaneous rate of flow.

Image source:
home.att.net/~berliner-
Ultrasonics/bwzsagAa6.html

1.2.2: Average and Instantaneous Rate of Change

Each graph models a relationship between the total volume (mL) of water that has flowed out of
the tank and time(s).

1.2.3: Go with the Flow

Context: To investigate the rate that water
flows out of a cylindrical water tower.

Preparing Materials: Using a plastic drinking
container (1.52L) make a 35 mm hole above
the ridges on the bottom of the plastic drinking
container. Set up the apparatus as shown in
the diagram:

Step One: Gather volume and time data as
one litre of water flows out of the plastic
drinking container into a measuring cup or graduated cylinder. Record the time at which the
volume in the measuring cup reaches a multiple of 50mL in the chart below:

Graph the data, Volume versus Time, using graph paper or graphing
technology, e.g., graphing calculators, Excel or Fathom.

Step Two: Construct a curve of best fit with or without technology.

Step Three: Calculate the average rate of water flow over the whole time
interval. (Card 1) What connections can you make between the average
rate of water flow over the whole time interval and the secant to the graph
at the endpoints? (Card 2)

Step Four: Repeat Step 3 choosing two different points on the curve.
What connections can you make between instantaneous flow rates at a
specific time and tangents to the graph? (Card 3)
Approximate the instantaneous rate of flow, when 750 mL of water has
been collected in the measuring cup, by using your graph and a series of
secants containing the point. (Card 4)

Step Five: Specifications for the water tower require that the rate of flow
cannot be less than half the initial instantaneous flow rate.
What is the initial instantaneous rate of flow?
Investigate whether or not the rate of flow will meet the required
specifications:
when the container is half full.
when the container is a quarter full.

Determine the time when the flow rate is exactly half the initial
instantaneous flow rate.

Time
(s)
Volume
(mL)
0 0
50
100
150
200
250
300
350
400
450
500
550
600
650
700
750
800
850
900
950
1000

1.2.4: Hint Cards

Hint 1
Volume Collected
Average Flow Rate =
Time Interval

If 200mL flows out of the container in 10 seconds, the average rate that the water flows out
of the container is:

Volume Collected 200mL mL
Average Flow Rate = = = 20
Time Interval 10s s

Hint 2
A secant is a line that intersects a curve at two points. Find the slope of the secant using
the first and last points on the graph. Compare with the average flow rate.

Hint 3
A tangent is a line that makes contact with a curve at one point, without intersecting it.
Find the slope of the tangent using two points on the line. Compare with the instantaneous
flow rate.

Hint 4
To use secants to approximate the slope of a given tangent find the slopes of secants
with end points on either side of the point of tangency. To get better estimates of the
slope of the tangent, make the end points of the secant closer to the point of tangency.

1.2.5: Go With the Flow:
Average and Instantaneous Rate of Change

Analysis of Data using Fathom

1. Open the data collection: Go with the flow.ftm.
2. Complete Step 1 by clicking on the table and entering each time and volume measurement.
Note that because the volume collected is definitely 0 mL at time 0 s, record this data point
first. If you are missing some volume-time measurements simply skip them or delete them
from the table by right clicking the case number and selecting Delete case.
3. Complete Step 2 by dragging the sliders for a, h and k (a is the vertical stretch factor, h is the
horizontal shift constant, and k is the vertical shift constant.)
4. Complete Step 3 by dragging the sliders for the time coordinates time_1 and time_2. Adjust
the values to draw any secant of your choice. Note the slope of the secant (in the box at the
bottom right hand corner of your screen.)

Analysis of Data using Geometers Sketchpad

1. Open the sketch: Go with the flow.gsp.
2. Complete Step 1 by using the Graph menu and selecting Plot Points Enter the time
values as the x-coordinates and the volume values as the y-coordinates. Note that because
the volume collected is definitely 0 mL at time 0 s, plot this data point first.
3. Complete Step 2 by dragging the sliders for a, h and k (a is the vertical stretch factor, h is the
horizontal shift constant, and k is the vertical shift constant.)
4. Complete Step 3 by dragging point A and point B. Adjust the values to draw any secant of
your choice. Note the slope of the secant.

Analysis of Data using Microsoft Excel
1. Open the file: Go with the flow.xls.
2. Complete Step 1 by entering the time values with their corresponding volume values. Note
that because the volume collected is definitely 0 mL at time 0 s, this is the first data point.
3. Note that the quadratic curve of best fit has been drawn for you and the equation for this
curve is indicated in the bottom right.
4. Print the graph and draw secants as required. Determine the slope of the secant(s) by hand
using the graph or the equation to determine the y-values of the points.

Average and Instantaneous Rate of Change (continued)

Go with the flow Fathom file

Go with the flow exemplar Fathom file

Go with the flow exemplar2 Fathom file

Average and Instantaneous Rate of Change (continued)

Go with the flow The Geometers Sketchpad
file

Go with the flow exemplar The Geometers Sketchpad
file

1.2.6: Go With the Flow

Follow Up Activity

For each graph below, find an approximate value for the slope of the tangent at the point A by
using a series of secants with A as one endpoint.

Compare and describe the instantaneous rate of change at point A and point B. Explain your
reasoning.

Unit 1: Day 3: Exploring the Concept of Limit MVC4U

75 min
Math Learning Goals
Explore the concept of a limit by investigating numerical and graphical examples
and explain the reasoning involved.
Explore the ratio of successive terms of sequences and series (use both divergent
and convergent examples).
Explore the nature of a function that approaches an asymptote (horizontal and
vertical).
Materials
BLMs 1.3.11.3.7
large grid paper
graphing
technology
Assessment
Opportunities

Minds On
Small Groups Exploration/Discussion
In groups of three using one piece of 8.5 11 paper, guide students through the
following exploration.
Each group of three divides its paper into four equal pieces and each group
member takes one piece.
What fraction of the paper does each group member have?
Divide the remaining piece into four equal pieces and each group member takes
one piece.
Ask:
What fraction of the paper does each group member have?
If this process continues indefinitely, how much of the paper will each person
have? Explain your reasoning.
How does the graphical representation of the data help to visually explain the
concept of the limit?
Whole Class Instruction
Introduce the vocabulary of limit and infinite sequence and infinite series.

Action!
Small Groups Investigation
Learning Skill/Observation/Mental Note: Observe students to identify
teamwork and work habits.
Each group works on one of the following three investigations. Circulate during
the task and provide direction as necessary.
Investigation 1: Students investigate the concept of a limit using series
(BLM 1.3.1 and 1.3.4 (Teacher)).
Investigation 2: Students investigate the concept of a limit using the sequence
of ratios of successive terms the Fibonacci sequence (BLM 1.3.2).
Investigation 3: Students investigate the concept of a limit using the
behaviour of a function near an asymptote (BLM 1.3.3 and 1.3.5 (Teacher)).
Mathematical Process Focus: Reasoning, Representing. Students reason and to
make connections between different representations of data and the concept of a
limit.

Consolidate
Debrief
Whole Class Presentations and Discussion
Groups present their findings from one of their examples. Highlight process and
findings.
Present series of graphs showing different representations (data; graphs of
discrete data points; graphs of smooth, continuous functions) and summarize the
concept of a limit for each (BLM 1.3.6).
Explore further scenarios with series such as 1 1 +1 1 + .

Make use of an
interactive
whiteboard if
available.

Students need
access to graphing
technology and/or
large grid paper for
each.

Choose examples
from BLM 1.3.4 and
1.3.5 for
Investigations 1
and 3.

Further information
about Fibonacci can
be found at:
http://www-
history.mcs.st-
andrews.ac.uk/Biogra
phies/Fibonacci.html

http://evolutionoftruth.
com/div/fibocalc.htm

http://www.mathcentr
e.ac.uk/staff.php/mat
hematics/series/limits
/resources/resources/
366
Differentiated
Instruction
Complete the assigned task (Worksheet BLM 1.3.7).

1.3.1: Taking it to the Limit

In your group, investigate the two examples assigned using the outline below. You may wish to
use graphing software to help you with your analysis. Be prepared to present the findings of
your group with rationale.

Analysis
To analyse the existence of a limit of these series, create a sequence off partial sums
S
1
, S
2
, S
3
,,S
10
, where S
1
represents the sum of the first term
S
2
represents the sum of the first two terms
S
3
represents the sum of the first three terms
.
.
.
S
10
represents the sum of the first ten terms

Select a tool to create a data plot, where n (the sum number) is the independent variable and S
n

is the dependent variable. Sketch the data plot on the grid provided for one of the sequences for
which a limit exists.

Summary

1. State your series _______________________________________

2. State the sequence of sums ________________________________________

3. The behaviour of our sequence is

4. We reached this conclusion because
Term
Value
Partial Sum for
Series One
Partial Sum for
Series Two
1
2

1.3.2: Investigating Ratios in the Fibonacci Sequence
http://www-history.mcs.st-andrews.ac.uk/Biographies/Fibonacci.html

The Fibonacci sequence is an example of a recursive sequence. Each number of the sequence
is the sum of the two numbers preceding it. Formally, this can be written:
( )
( )
( ) ( ) ( )
1 1
2 1
1 2
F
F
F n F n F n
=
=
= +

1. Complete the following table computing the ratios of consecutive terms correct to
5 decimal places.
Fibonacci
Number
( ) F n
Ratio of
Consecutive Terms
( )
( ) 1
F n
F n

1

1
t = =
1
1
1

2
t = =
2
2
1

3 3
t =

5
8
13

2. Create a new sequence from the ratios obtained in Question 2, i.e., t
1
=1, t
2
=2, t
3
=1.5
1, 2, 1.5, _____, _____, _____, _____, _____, _____, _____, _____, _____, _____
3. Using graphing technology, create a plot of the sequence in Question 2, where the term
number is the independent variable and the value of the ratio is the dependent variable.
Sketch the graph on the grid provided.
4. Does the sequence of ratios of Fibonacci numbers have a limit? J ustify your answer.

1.3.3: Taking it to the Limit

In your group, investigate the two examples assigned using the outline below. You can use
graphing software to help you with your analysis. Be prepared to present your group findings
with rationale.

Function Analysis
Using the tool of your choice, create a graph for the given domain. Sketch the graph on the grid
provided for each of the functions assigned.

Summary
1. State your function. 1. State your function.
2. Describe the behaviour of the function
over the given domain.
2. Describe the behaviour of the function
over the given domain.
3. State the limit if one exists. Explain. 3. State the limit if one exists. Explain.

1.3.4: Sample Exploration Questions for BLM 1.3.1 (Teacher)

Each group of students receives one series from Group A and one series from Group B.

Group A
2
1 1 1 1
1
4 9 16 n
+ + + + + +

Examine 10 sums
3
1 1 1 1
1
8 27 64 n
+ + + + + +

Examine 10 sums
.
2
1
1 1125 1
2 2
n
n
+ + + ++ +

Examine 10 sums

Group B
1 1 1 1
1
2 3 4 n
+ + + + + + Examine 10 sums
( ) ( )
1
3 9 9 12 1 3
n
n
+
+ + + + Examine 10 sums
2 4 6 8 16 2
n
+ + + + + + + Examine 10 sums

1.3.5: Sample Exploration Questions for BLM 1.3.3 (Teacher)

Each group of students receive one series from Group A and one series from Group B.

Group A

( )
1
4 f x
x
= + Examine end behaviour as x becomes large.

( )
( )
1
2
f x
x
=

Examine behaviour as x 2 (i.e., x gets close to 2) beginning
with values x =1.5 and incrementing by 0.1

Group B

( ) 3 f x x = Examine end behaviour as x becomes large.

( )
2
2 4 f x x x = + Examine end behaviour as x becomes large.

( )
( ) 3 3
5
x
f x
x

= +
Examine behaviour as x 0 (i.e., x gets close to 0) for values of
x beginning with x =1 and incrementing by 0.1

( )
( )
3 3
5
x
f x
x

= + Examine end behaviour as x becomes large.

1.3.6: Sample Slides for Debrief (Teacher)

1)

2)

1.3.6: Sample Slides for Debrief (Teacher) (continued)

3.
0
lim ( )
x
f x
for numbers greater than 0 as compared to lim ( )

x
f x

4. Looking at
3
lim ( )
x
f x
for numbers greater than 3

1.3.7: Home Activity Ideas (Teacher)

Idea 1
Consider the repeating decimal 0.9999999. Represent this decimal as a fraction. Explain the
result in terms of limits.

Idea 2
Does a limit exist? A staircase is constructed that has a vertical height of 4 units and a
horizontal length of 4 units. Each step has a length of 1 unit horizontally and 1 unit vertically, so
there are four stairs. The total of the vertical and horizontal distances is 8 (4 1 up and 4 1
across). Now, put in twice as many stairs by making each step half as long and half as high.
What is the total of the vertical and horizontal distances? Continue to double the number of
steps by halving the length and height of each step. Describe the limiting process taking place
as the doubling continues, forever.

Idea 3
Describe the limit of the following process. (Do not look for a numerical solution rather look for
a descriptive solution): An equilateral triangle is inscribed inside a unit circle. A circle is inscribed
inside the triangle. A square is inscribed inside this circle. A circle is inscribed within this square.
A regular pentagon is inscribed inside this circle. A circle is inscribed within the pentagon.

Idea 4
What is the value of the fraction
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
+
+
+
+
as the division continues? Compare the

result with that of Investigation 2 (BLM 1.3.2).

Idea 5
Investigate the area and perimeter of the Sierpinski Triangle as the number of iterations
increases.

Idea 6
Investigate the area and perimeter of the Koch Snowflake as the number of iterations increases.

Unit 1: Day 4: Calculating Instantaneous Rates of Change Numerically MVC4U

75 min.
Math Learning Goals
Connecting the average rate of change of a function to the slope of the secant using
the expression
( ) ( ) f a h f a
h
+
.
Connecting the instantaneous rate of change of a function to the slope of the
tangent using the expression
0
( ) ( )
lim
h
f a h f a
h
+
.
Materials
BLM 1.4.1, 1.4.2
computer and
data projector
The Geometers
Sketchpad

Assessment
Opportunities

Minds On
Activate prior knowledge of function notation, secant lines, slopes of line
segments and average rate of change from MHF4U and previous lessons in this
unit.
Use the GSP
sketch Slope Secant.gsp to develop the general expression for the

slope of a secant line
( ) ( ) f a h f a
h
+
.

Action!
Pairs Investigation
Students work in pairs to develop the understanding that the slope of the secant
becomes the slope of the tangent as h approaches zero (BLM 1.4.2).
Mathematical Process Focus: Connecting and Communicating
Curriculum Expectation/Observation/Mental Note: Observe students
understanding of the connection between the slope of the secant and the slope of
the tangent.

Consolidate
Debrief
Pairs Think/Pair/Share
Student pairs use the Think/Pair/Share literacy strategy to consolidate
understanding of concepts. (BLM 1.4.2)
Summary
When h approaches zero the secant line becomes a tangent line. To find the slope
of the tangent line for ( ) f x at x =a you must evaluate
0
( ) ( )
lim
h
f a h f a
h
+
.

The GSP
Secant
Slope.gsp

BLM 1.4.1 can be
used if no access to
The Geometers
Sketchpad
is
possible.

The first page of the
GSP
sketch
determines the slope
of the secant line
numerically and the
second page
develops the general
expression.
Exploration
Application
Complete practice questions from Worksheet 1.4.2

1.4.1: Secant Slope (Teacher)

Numerically

Algebraically

1.4.2: Determining Numerically the Instantaneous
Rate of Change

With a partner, determine the slope of secant lines from a point on a curve to another point
where the x value is h units away from the original x value. Calculate slopes of secants for
smaller and smaller values of h.

Method 1: Substitute into the Slope of a Secant Expression

Function: ( )
2
f x x = Value of a: 3

a h a +h ( ) ( )
, a f a ( ) ( )
+ + , a h f a h
+ ( ) ( ) f a h f a
h

3 1 4
( ) , 3 9 ( ) , 416
7
3 0.1
3 0.01
3 0.001
3 0.0001

Method 2: Substitute into the Slope of a Secant Expression

Function: ( )
2
f x x = Value of a: 3

h
( ) ( ) f a h f a
h
h
+
= + 6
1 7
0.1
0.01
0.001
0.0001
( ) ( )
( ) ( )
( ) ( )
2 2
2
3 3
3 3
6
6
f a h f a
h
f h f
h
h
h
h h
h
h h
+
+
=
+
=
+
=
= + not equal to zero ,

1.4.2: Determining Numerically the Instantaneous
Rates of Change (continued)

Consolidating Questions
1. What value is the slope of the secant line approaching as h gets smaller and smaller? What
does this value represent?

2. What do you notice about the results of the two methods?

3. Explain why the slope of the secant line is changing as the value of h decreases to zero.

4. Which method allows you to find the slope of the tangent to any point for any function?

Extra Practice
Repeat the procedure of Method 1 and Method 2 to determine the slope of the tangent line to
the following functions at the given value of x =a.

a) Function:
( )
2
f x x =
Value of a: 5
b) Function:
( )
2
2 f x x =
Value of a: 4
c) Function:
( )
3
4 f x x = +
Value of a: 2

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TIPS4RM: MCV4U: Unit 1 Rates of Change 2008 1

Unit 1: Rates of Change MVC4U

File: Ball Bounces

for numbers greater than 0 as compared to lim ( )

for numbers greater than 3

as the division continues? Compare the

sketch Slope Secant.gsp to develop the general expression for the

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Mcv4u Unit 1

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Mcv4u Unit 1

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Mcv4u Unit 1

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TIPS4RM: MCV4U: Unit 1 Rates of Change 2008 1

Unit 1: Rates of Change MVC4U

File: Ball Bounces

for numbers greater than 0 as compared to lim ( )

for numbers greater than 3

as the division continues? Compare the

sketch Slope Secant.gsp to develop the general expression for the

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