Investigating relations and functionsMathematics Instructional Plans (MIPs) help teachers align instruction with the Mathematics Standards of Learning (SOL) by providing examples of how the knowledge, skills and processes found in the SOL and curriculum framework can be presented to students in the classroom.

In Module 5, Topic A, students learn the concept of a function and why functions are necessary for describing geometric concepts and occurrences in everyday life. The module begins by explaining the important role functions play in making predictions. For example, if an object is dropped, a function allows us to determine its height at a specific time. To this point, student work has relied on assumptions of constant rates; here, students are given data that show that objects do not always travel at a constant speed. Once the concept of a function is explained, a formal definition of function is provided. A function is defined as an assignment to each input, exactly one output. Students learn that the assignment of some functions can be described by a mathematical rule or formula. With the concept and definition firmly in place, students begin to work with functions in real-world contexts. For example, students relate constant speed and other proportional relationships to linear functions. Next, students consider functions of discrete and continuous rates and understand the difference between the two.
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Analyze various situations of collecting and interpreting data to determine functionality. Practice determining if a relation is a function and creating functions using a VDOE MIP following the exploration.

Representations of FunctionsMathematics Instructional Plans (MIPs) help teachers align instruction with the Mathematics Standards of Learning (SOL) by providing examples of how the knowledge, skills and processes found in the SOL and curriculum framework can be presented to students in the classroom.