Students experiment with various linear models trying to find the best one. Percentage change is discussed and data on national debt used to motivate relative rates of change and exponential functions. The activity requires students to synthesize numerical, algebraic, graphical, and verbal descriptions of exponential relationships. Read section 8.5 pages 337 through 354. This activity further develops students understanding of exponential functions by considering the growth of investments and debts under various interest rates and compounding periods.
Students develop amortization tables using various interest rates and time periods.
Students determine monthly payments on automobile and home purchases and consider how the length of loan affects the total purchase price. 8.5.4 - 8.5.6 pages 346 through 355. Inverse functions are considered in numerical, algebraic, and graphical form. The natural log is introduced as the inverse of the exponential. Students develop conversion formulas between American and European shoe sizes and verify the conversion functions are inverses.