Mathematics 9

Unit 4: Linear Relations

PR01, PR02
 Yearly Plan Unit 4 GCO PR01

SCO PR01 Students will be expected to generalize a pattern arising from a problem-solving context
using a linear equation and verify by substitution.
[C, CN, PS, R, V]
[C] Communication [PS] Problem Solving [CN] Connections [ME] Mental Mathematics and Estimation
[T] Technology [V] Visualization [R] Reasoning

Performance Indicators
Use the following set of indicators to determine whether students have achieved the corresponding
specific curriculum outcome.

PR01.01 Write an expression representing a given concrete, pictorial, oral, and/or written pattern.
PR01.02 Write a linear equation to represent a given context.
PR01.03 Describe a context for a given linear equation.
PR01.04 Solve, using a linear equation, a given problem that involves concrete, pictorial, oral, and/or
written linear patterns.
PR01.05 Write a linear equation representing the pattern in a given table of values, and verify the
equation by substituting values from the table.

Scope and Sequence

Mathematics 8 Mathematics 9 Mathematics 10

PR01 Students will be expected PR01 Students will be expected RF04 Students will be expected
to graph and analyze two- to generalize a pattern arising to describe and represent linear
variable linear relations. from a problem-solving context relations, using words, ordered
using a linear equation and pairs, tables of values, graphs,
verify by substitution. and equations.

Background
This outcome should be taught in conjunction with PR02.

Students have been exposed to patterns through interpretation of graphs of linear relations in earlier
grades. In Mathematics 7, students used algebraic expressions to describe patterns, and constructed
graphs from the corresponding table of values. In Mathematics 8, students examined the various ways a
relation can be expressed, including ordered pairs, table of values, and graphs. They also used patterns
to find missing values in a linear relation. The algebraic expressions were often given to students.

In Mathematics 7, students formulated linear relations to represent the relationship in a given oral or
written pattern. However, in Mathematics 8 most of the work was done with linear relations provided.
In Mathematics 9, there is a focus on writing an expression or equation given the pictorial, oral, or
written form of the relation. Students are expected to move interchangeably among the various
representations that describe linear relations. They should be able to describe in words and use
expressions and equations to represent patterns from tables, graphs, charts, pictures, and problem
situations. Information presented in a variety of formats should be used to derive mathematical
expressions and equations and to predict unknown values.

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 Yearly Plan Unit 4 GCO PR01

When a linear relation is represented using pictorial or written form, students should use patterns to
derive the expression or equation. Students should examine the situation to determine what stays
constant, what changes, and how it relates to the expression or equation. Once the equation has been
created, students are expected to use it to find missing values of the independent and dependent
variable. Students should make a connection between the constant change in the dependent variable
and the equation. Students will use this connection to substitute values from the table to determine the
equation. They can then verify this equation using substitution.

For example, when students are looking at the table of values below, they should look at the pattern
and recognize a constant change between the values (an increase of 6 between the term values).

In this example, students should recognize that multiplying the term number, n, by 6 always results in
four more than the associated term, t. Therefore, the term value (t) can be determined by subtracting 4
from 6n. As an equation, the pattern is represented by t = 6n – 4. Students should verify their equation
by substituting values from the table (when n = 5, t = 26). Students should use their equation to solve for
any value of n or t.

Students should also work with decreasing patterns that can be represented with linear equations.

As students analyze pictures, tables, and equations, they should recognize that each representational
form is a viable way to solve a problem.

This understanding gives them a choice of representations to use and can lessen their reliance on
procedural manipulation of the symbolic representation. Alternate representations can strengthen
students’ awareness of symbolic expressions and equations. For students to have this choice and this
knowledge, they must have had experience with each type of representation.

In addition, students should connect their mathematical learning to contextual situations. Ask students
to create a context to describe a given linear relation, such as c = 3a + 1.

Assessment, Teaching, and Learning

Assessment Strategies

ASSESSING PRIOR KNOWLEDGE

Tasks such as the following could be used to determine students’ prior knowledge.
▪ For each of the following problems, create a table of values to show the relationship, and construct
a graph from the ordered pairs.
− Grapefruits are $1.00 per grapefruit.
− Movie tickets are $9.00 per ticket.
− 𝑦 = 2𝑥 + 4

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 Yearly Plan Unit 4 GCO PR01

x
y = +3
− 2
▪ For the equation y = –2x + 3, find the missing values in the following ordered pairs.
− (0, y)
− (x, 1)
− (5, y)
− (x, –1)
▪ Fill in the missing values in the following table of values.
x y
1 3
7

4
5 19

Whole-Class/Group/Individual Assessment Tasks

Consider the following sample tasks (that can be adapted) for either assessment for learning
(formative) or assessment of learning (summative).

▪ Jules is getting in shape. The first day he does 9 sit-ups, the second day 13, the third day 17, the
fourth day 21. Identify the variables and write an equation to represent this situation. If he
continues in this way, how many sit-ups will he do on the 5th day? 6th day? 10th day? 20th day?
50th day? 60th day?
▪ Write a linear equation to represent the pattern in the given table of values. Describe a context for
the equation.

▪ Given the equation, c = 2 t + 5, describe this relation in words. Make up a problem that could be
solved using this equation.
▪ Your class is planning a trip to the zoo. The school will have to pay $200 for the bus plus $5 per
student. How much will it cost for 42 students?

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 Yearly Plan Unit 4 GCO PR01

▪ Jake is checking over his math assignment. He phones you to verify the equation for the following
table of values:
x y
3 8
4 10
5 12
6 14

He thinks the equation is y = 3x – 1, since the point (3, 8) satisfies this equation. Is he correct? Justify
your answer.

▪ Talisha pays a one-time fee of $6.00 to download songs plus $0.25 for each song.
− Write an equation to represent this situation.
− How much would it cost to download 16 songs?
− How many songs can be downloaded for $13.00?

Planning for Instruction

CHOOSING INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGIES

Consider the following strategies when planning daily lessons.

▪ Provide students with opportunity to explore various patterns by explaining each pattern using
words and writing an equation to represent a situation. For example, the relationship between the
number of bricks (b) around a square fire pit with side lengths (s) is represented by the equation
4𝑠 + 4 = 𝑏.

▪ Provide students with experiences to develop the ability to write equations for situations that are
described in words. For example: “Ralph rents snowboards for $10.50 per hour, but requires a $25
non-refundable deposit. How much will it cost to rent Ralph’s snowboard and use it for 2 hours? 3
hours? 6 hours? 10 hours?”
▪ From looking at the patterns that develop, or from the wording of the problem, students should be
able to write equations from given contexts such as $25 deposit plus $10.50 per hour. This can be
used to calculate cost depending on the number of hours rented.
▪ Develop equations from patterns expressed in table form. For example, given the following table of
values, have students write an equation and then verify it by substituting values from the table.

Term Number (n) 1 2 3 4 5

Term (t) 39 35 31 27 23

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 Yearly Plan Unit 4 GCO PR01

SUGGESTED LEARNING TASKS

▪ To explore patterns, have students use multi linking cubes to determine the total number of visible
faces found on 1 to 6 (or more) cubes linked together in a “train.” Do not include the bottom, which
is not visible.

To develop an understanding of the patterns found in linear equations, have students:

− describe any patterns they see in the table and describe how the patterns are visible in the
cubes
− after the first few cubes, try to predict the total value for 5 cubes and for 6 cubes
− complete: “If you tell me how many cars in the train, I can tell you the number of faces by …”
− replace the words with mathematical symbols, describing the pattern in an equation and
explaining the meaning of each of the coefficients in the equation.
This activity can be repeated by making trains of pattern blocks.
▪ Ask students to discuss the benefits of describing a relation using
− a pictorial model
− an algebraic representation
Ask them which representation they prefer and why.

▪ For the following sequence:

6, 14, 22, 30 …
− Determine the next three terms.
− Develop an expression that can be used to determine the value of each term in the number
pattern.
− Use the expression to find the 20th term in this pattern.
− Determine which term has a value of 94.

SUGGESTED MODELS AND MANIPULATIVES

▪ multi linking cubes

▪ graph paper
▪ Pattern Blocks*
*also available in Interactive Math Tools (Pearson n.d.)

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 Yearly Plan Unit 2 GCO PR01

MATHEMATICAL LANGUAGE

Teacher Student
▪ constant change ▪ constant change
▪ dependent variable
▪ equation ▪ equation
▪ expression ▪ expression
▪ graph ▪ graph
▪ independent variable
▪ numerical coefficient
▪ linear relation ▪ linear relation
▪ pattern ▪ pattern
▪ ordered pair ▪ ordered pair
▪ substitution ▪ substitution
▪ table of values ▪ table of values
▪ term ▪ term
▪ term number ▪ term number
▪ unknown (values) ▪ unknown (values)

Resources
Digital

Interactive Math Tools. (Pearson. n.d. ): http://nsvs.ednet.ns.ca/nsps/nsps26/course/view.php?id=3875.

Print
▪ Elementary and Middle School Mathematics: Teaching Developmentally, 8th Edition (Van de Walle,
Karp, and Bay-Williams 2013), pp. 273–277
▪ Math Makes Sense 9 (Baron et al. 2009; NSSBB #: 2001644)
− Unit 4: Linear Relations
> Section 4.1: Writing Equations to Describe Patterns
> Unit Problem: Predicting Music Trends
− ProGuide (CD; Word Files; NSSBB #: 2001645)
> Assessment Masters
> Extra Practice Masters
> Unit Tests
− ProGuide (DVD; NSSBB #: 2001645)
> Projectable Student Book Pages
> Modifiable Line Masters

Mathematics 9, Implementation Draft, June 2015 6

 Yearly Plan Unit 4 GCO PR02

SCO PR02 Students will be expected to graph a linear relation, analyze the graph, and interpolate or
extrapolate to solve problems.
[C, CN, PS, R, T, V]
[C] Communication [PS] Problem Solving [CN] Connections [ME] Mental Mathematics and Estimation
[T] Technology [V] Visualization [R] Reasoning

Performance Indicators
Use the following set of indicators to determine whether students have achieved the corresponding
specific curriculum outcome.

PR02.01 Describe the pattern found in a given graph.

PR02.02 Graph a given linear relation, including horizontal and vertical lines.
PR02.03 Match given equations of linear relations with their corresponding graphs.
PR02.04 Extend a given graph (extrapolate) to determine the value of an unknown element.
PR02.05 Interpolate the approximate value of one variable on a given graph, given the value of
the other variable.
PR02.06 Extrapolate the approximate value of one variable from a given graph, given the value of
the other variable.
PR02.07 Solve a given problem by graphing a linear relation and analyzing the graph.

Scope and Sequence

Mathematics 8 Mathematics 9 Mathematics 10

PR01 Students will be expected PR02 Students will be expected RF01 Students will be expected
to graph and analyze two- to graph a linear relation, to interpret and explain the
variable linear relations. analyze the graph, and relationships among data,
interpolate or extrapolate to graphs, and situations.
solve problems.
RF05 Students will be expected
to determine the characteristics
of the graphs of linear relations,
including the intercepts, slope,
domain, and range.

RF06 Students will be expected

to relate linear relations to
their graphs, expressed in
▪ slope-intercept form
(y = mx + b)
▪ general form
(Ax + By + C = 0)
▪ slope-point form
(y – y1) = m(x – x1)
 Yearly Plan Unit 2 GCO PR02

Background
This outcome is to be taught in conjunction with PR01.

In Mathematics 7 and Mathematics 8, students described the relationship between variables of a given
graph. They also constructed and analyzed graphs of linear equations, with a focus on discrete data. In
Mathematics 9, students will be asked to describe patterns from graphs. They will be expected to use
terminology, such as increase and decrease, to describe the relationship between the two variables;
they will be expected to work with both discrete and continuous data. In PR01 and PR02 students are
informally working with the concept of slope. However, the actual term slope, is not introduced until
Mathematics 10. Students have experience graphing linear relations from Mathematics 8. They will now
create a table of values and use ordered pairs to graph linear relations. The “slope y-intercept method”
is also not introduced until Mathematics 10 and therefore is not to be done in this grade. The intent of
this outcome is to explore the patterns and represent them by linear equations with the use of graphs
and tables only. This will create the foundation for rate of change (slope) and the slope y-intercept form
of a linear equation (y= mx + b) that will be explored in Mathematics 10.

Exploration should quickly reveal that the graph of a linear relation is a straight line. Vertical and
horizontal lines can be represented by single variable linear equations. This concept may be difficult for
students to grasp at first, therefore multiple opportunities must be provided. In this case, students will
realize that as one variable changes the other stays as a constant value. This will be an indication that
the graph will be a horizontal or vertical line. The equations of horizontal and vertical lines contain only
one of the variables. As a result, x or y is always constant. This results in a line that will be either
perpendicular to the x-axis (x = a) or perpendicular to the y-axis (y = a).

Students should graph horizontal, vertical, and oblique lines. Oblique, or slanted, lines are neither
perpendicular nor parallel to the x- or y-axis. This is a new term for students, but they have previous
experience with graphing oblique lines using the table of values method. When graphing oblique lines,
students can substitute values of x into the equation, and use prior knowledge to solve the equation for
y. At this point, they are not expected to rearrange equations when creating tables of values. They will
work with more complex equations later in this course in the Linear Equations and Inequalities unit. For
now, students can avoid having to solve equations with rational numbers by selecting convenient
numbers to substitute for x. Situations may include either discrete or continuous data.

When graphing linear relations, students will be expected to distinguish between discrete and
continuous data. Discrete data can only have a finite or limited number of possible values. Generally
discrete data are counts: number of students in class, number of tickets sold, how many items were
purchased. When graphing data points that represent discrete data, points are not connected. If there
are no valid values between the plotted points, then no line is drawn.

Continuous data has an infinite number of values between data points. It makes sense to have fractions.
When graphing points that represent continuous data, points are connected with a solid line.

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 Yearly Plan Unit 2 GCO PR02

Contextual situations such as the following should make this idea more concrete for students:

This graph has discrete data because it is not possible to have a fraction of a person. Since there are no
valid data points between the plotted points, the points are not connected.

On this graph, the data is continuous because it makes sense to have fractional time. The points,
therefore, are connected with a solid line.

Ask students to think about other situations involving discrete and continuous data. Examples for
discrete data may include situations involving number of people, number of pizza toppings, number of
concert tickets, etc. Examples of continuous data may include situations involving temperatures that
occur over time, height or weight over age, distance over time, etc. The decision about whether or not
to join points on a graph is necessary only in contextual situations. If students are graphing a linear
relation from a given equation without context, points are connected.

Students should recognize that the graph, table of values, and ordered pairs show a relationship
between two variables. To match graphs with their corresponding equations, selected ordered pairs
from the graph can be tested to see if they satisfy the given equation. Students should be encouraged to
select at least two points to verify, as they can incorrectly match graphs when just one point satisfies the
equation. For example, if students choose the point (0, 2) when matching the graph below with the

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 Yearly Plan Unit 2 GCO PR02

correct equation, they may make an incorrect match. In this case, the ordered pair (0, 2) satisfies both
equations. Testing a second ordered pair will ensure a correct match.

Which equation matches the graph below?

x + y = 2 or 2x + y = 2?

Other methods to match the equation with the graph, such as comparing the graph’s slope and y-
intercept to the equation, will not be explored until Mathematics 10.

In Mathematics 7, students made predictions for unknown quantities by examining the graph and in
Mathematics 8, from using the equation. The terms extrapolation and interpolation were not formally
introduced. Students are now expected to make predictions by extending their graph. The focus here
will be on interpreting the data and making predictions for unknown values. Interpolation is the
prediction of a value between two known values on a graph. It is important for students to realize that
when graphs display discrete data, interpolation is inappropriate because there are no data points
between the known data points. Extrapolation is extending a graph to make a prediction about a value
that goes beyond the data that is given. Generally, students are less comfortable with extrapolation than
with interpolation. There is opportunity here for students to work with real-life applications. By
extending the graph, assumptions are being made that the pattern will continue. Students need to be
aware that this is not always applicable in contextual situations. As students make inferences from a
graph, it is important that they justify their interpolations and extrapolations.

Assessment, Teaching, and Learning

Assessment Strategies

ASSESSING PRIOR KNOWLEDGE

Tasks such as the following could be used to determine students’ prior knowledge.

▪ Provide students with a table of values, such as the following, that represents a linear relation.

x 5 6 7 8 9
y 9 11 13 15 17

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 Yearly Plan Unit 2 GCO PR02

− Have students graph the ordered pairs in the table of values.

− Describe, in words, the relationship between the x-values and the y-values.
− Write the linear equation using x and y.
▪ For each of the following problems, create a table of values to show the relationship, and construct
a graph from the ordered pairs.
− Apples are $1.00 per apple.
− Movie tickets are $11.00 per ticket.
− y = 3x + 4

Whole-Class/Group/Individual Assessment Tasks

Consider the following sample tasks (that can be adapted) for either assessment for learning (formative)
or assessment of learning (summative).

▪ Create a table of values and sketch a graph for the linear equation: 𝑦 = 7𝑥 − 4.
▪ You have just purchased a new cell phone. The phone plan costs $10 per month and $0.10 per text
message. Create a graph to represent the situation. Estimate the cost of sending 100 text messages
using the graph.
▪ Describe the pattern and write the equation for the following. Describe a situation that could result
in the graph.

▪ Use examples and diagrams to help explain how horizontal and vertical lines and their equations are
similar and how they are different.
▪ Create a table of values and a graph for the following linear equations:
− x=4
− 4x + y = 5
− y=1

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 Yearly Plan Unit 2 GCO PR02

▪ June stated that the equation for the graph below is x + y = 4, since the point (1,3) satisfies the
equation. Is she correct? Justify your answer.

▪ Wilson is training for a 10 km race. The graph shows his times and distances at 10 minute intervals.

− Determine how long it takes Wilson to run 3 km.

− Determine how far he can run in 45 minutes.
− Determine how fast he is running.
− Can you use this graph to predict how far he will run in 200 minutes? Why or why not?

Planning for Instruction

CHOOSING INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGIES

Consider the following strategies when planning daily lessons.

▪ Provide students with a variety of problems in which they will graph a linear relation and use
interpolation and extrapolation to solve the problem.
▪ Provide students with graphs of discrete data arranged horizontally and vertically. Students should
create a table of values from the graph, write an equation by recognizing the pattern in the data and
be able to describe a situation to represent each graph.
▪ Provide students with various graphs and linear relations and ask them to match the graph with the
equation. Students could also be asked to describe the pattern within the graphs.

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 Yearly Plan Unit 2 GCO PR02

SUGGESTED LEARNING TASKS

▪ A taxi cab charges the following rates:

Length of trip (km) 5 10 15

Total cost ($) 9.25 15.50 21.75

− Plot these points on a coordinate system.

− Discuss if these points should be joined.
− Determine the equation.
− Explain why the graph does not start at the origin.
− From the graph, find the length of a trip that costs $25.
− From the graph, find the cost of a trip of 12 km.

▪ Give students the following graph and have them complete the activities below.

− Create a table of values.

− Describe the pattern found in the graph.
− Describe a situation that the graph might represent.
− Write a linear equation.

▪ Olivia works part time at a grocery store. Ask students to use the graph below to describe the
pattern and explain what it represents.

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 Yearly Plan Unit 2 GCO PR02

▪ A common price for downloading apps is $0.99.

− Write an equation that relates the total cost of buying apps, C, to the number of downloads, d.
− Graph the equation. Should you connect the points on the graph? Explain.
− What is the total cost for 100 downloads?
− You have saved $24.75. How many apps can you download?
▪ Students can work in pairs to create the following graphic organizer. These will be collected and the
teacher can create a puzzle investigating the characteristics and graphs of various linear relations.
They should include an equation and four related characteristics. The puzzles will be cut up and used
to correctly match the characteristics with each equation. A sample is shown below.

▪ Students can work in pairs to explore the relationship between the height of the top of a metre stick
to the distance between the bottom of the stick and the wall. To begin, they stand a metre stick
upright against a wall and record the measurements. They should then move the bottom end 10 cm
away from the wall and measure the height of the top of the metre stick. This process continues
until the metre stick is lying on the floor. Ask students to:
− Record data in a table of values:

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 Yearly Plan Unit 2 GCO PR02

Distance between bottom 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100

of stick and wall (cm)
Height of top of stick (cm)

− Create a graph for this table of values.

− Analyze the graph and describe any relationships that exist.
− Write an equation for the relationship.
− Use interpolation or extrapolation to make predictions for the given data.

SUGGESTED MODELS AND MANIPULATIVES

▪ graph paper
▪ graphing calculator

MATHEMATICAL LANGUAGE

Teacher Student
▪ constant (rate) ▪ constant (rate)
▪ continuous data ▪ continuous data
▪ discrete data ▪ discrete data
▪ dependent variable ▪ dependent variable
▪ independent variable ▪ independent variable
▪ extrapolate ▪ extrapolate
▪ horizontal ▪ horizontal
▪ inference ▪ inference
▪ interpolate ▪ interpolate
▪ oblique line ▪ oblique line
▪ ordered pairs ▪ ordered pairs
▪ term ▪ term
▪ variable ▪ variable
▪ vertical ▪ vertical

Resources
Print
▪ Elementary and Middle School Mathematics: Teaching Developmentally, 8th Edition (Van de Walle,
Karp, and Bay-Williams 2013), pp. 273–288
▪ Math Makes Sense 9 (Baron et al. 2009; NSSBB #: 2001644)
− Unit 4: Linear Relations
> Technology: Tables of Values and Graphing
> Section 4.2: Linear Relations
> Section 4.3: Another Form of the Equation for a Linear Relation
> Game: What’s My Point?

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 Yearly Plan Unit 2 GCO PR02

> Section 4.4: Matching Equations and Graphs

> Section 4.5: Using Graphs to Estimate Values
> Technology: Interpolating and Extrapolating
> Unit Problem: Predicting Music Trends
− ProGuide (CD; Word Files; NSSBB #: 2001645)
> Assessment Masters
> Extra Practice Masters
> Unit Tests
− ProGuide (DVD; NSSBB #: 2001645)
> Projectable Student Book Pages
> Modifiable Line Masters

Mathematics 9, Implementation Draft, September 2015 16