Ann Chay

Exponential Functions, Compound Interest, in Matlab

Elaine and I took both PreCalculus classes to the computer lab to work with Compound Interest exponential equations. They were able to modify an existing program to evaluate the power of the exponential function, and the resulting models if they changed the interest rate, number of compoundings per year, and how long they kept the money invested. They were given a list of questions for expoloration. All in all, the students were engaged and interested. The following week they had a quiz including questions on compound interest. One of the students told me that he remembered working with the equations on the computer. A success!

Uncategorized | achay | January 7, 2011 10:00 am | Comments Off

Understanding Functions

Elaine Vejar has visited my classroom a few times. She is helping me with 2 Pre Calculus classes in which we are currently discussing functions – their characteristics and the vocabulary we use to describe them (domain, range, intervals over which they are increasing, decreasing, etc). We are also talking about the “families of functions,” and how every function of a family has similar behavior and restrictions (if any). We are hoping to analyze Elaine’s data using the different types of functions, and see which one best matches the data.

Uncategorized | achay | October 6, 2010 7:49 pm | Comments (0)