Grades 9-12 Mathematically Speaking Linear functions are fundamental to the study of algebra. These two forms use both the slope and the y-intercept, which are fundamental concepts dealt with in linear functions. This lesson helps students understand that there is a relationship between those characteristics of the algebraic model and the physical situation that the model represents. Some students are under the misconception that this is true. In the video lesson, the lines representing the ratio of mass to volume without the mass of the graduated cylinder are direct proportions, and they should pass through the origin.
Direct proportion is an important concept in both mathematics and science classes.
A final point to highlight is the use of independent and dependent variables. The students need to understand that in this case the volume is the independent variable and mass is the dependent variable. Using these terms should also help students make connections between mathematics and science.