Graphing Lines WebQuest

Introduction

This WebQuest is an introduction to linear equations.  It will provide an opportunity to explore the definition of a linear equation and the components of the linear equations.  You will explore how to graph linear equations and then tie it all together with a little quiz at the end.

Task

For this WebQuest you will be exploring several websites to help you gain a better understanding of linear equations. You will be keeping a Quest Journal (a Google Doc) as you travel through the world of linear equations. Read each page carefully and do your best to answer each question clearly and completely in your journal. There is a total of 20 points to be earned on your journal. Be sure to review the Evaluation page so that you understand what is expected and how you will be graded.

When you are ready, click on the Process tab to get started. 

Good Luck on you Quest!

Process

1.  Definition of a linear equation

Write the definition for a linear equation. 

Why do we call these equations "Linear"?

What is the general form of a linear equation? 

 

2.  What is it?

What three things make a linear equation special from other equations?

What is another name for the x term of a linear equation?  What is another name for the yterm in a linear equation?  How are they related?

This site lists several examples of real life applications for linear equations.  Describe one other real life application that can be expressed as a linear equation that wasn't mentioned in the reading.

 

3.  Equation of a Straight Line

In a linear equation, what does the letter m represent?  What does the letter b represent?

If given the graph of a line, how do you go about writing the equation of the line? 

 

4.  Explore the Properties of a Straight Line Graph

On this site, move the bar to change the value of and the value of b.

a) How does changing the value of m change the look of the line?

b) How does changing the value of change the look of the line?

c) What values for m creates a horizontal line?

d)  What do you have to do to get a vertical line?

 

5.  Understanding Slope (or Gradient)

In your own words what is the Gradient or Slope of a line?  How do you find the slope of a line?  Draw on your paper, an example of what the slope of a line is.  Remember to label the parts.

 

6.  Understanding the y-intercept of a line 

What is meant by the y-intercept of a linear equation?  In the equation y = 2x + 3 what is the y-intercept and what does it tell us about the line of the given equation?  How is the prior y-intercept different from the y-intercept of the this linear equation y = 2x - 3?

 

7.  Graphing a Linear Equation using a T-Chart
Read through the steps on how to graph a linear equation by creating a t-chart.

Create a t-chart to graph the following linear equation:  y = 3x +1.  Show all of your work on your paper.

 

8.  Using Slope and Y-Intercept to Graph Linear Equations

Read through the steps on how to graph a linear equation by using the slope and y-intercept.

Graph the following equation by using the slope-intercept method: y = 2x + 3

Which of these two methods would you prefer to use to graph linear equations? Explain your reasoning.  Why do you believe it would be beneficial to know how to graph equations both ways?  Explain your reasoning.

 

9.  Linear Equations Test

Take the short quiz over linear equations. Don't forget to click the button to see how you did, Take a screen shot of the results and include (paste it) in your portfolio.  If you missed more than two, go back and reread the WebQuest and try it again.  Be sure you understand the information, as we will utilize this as a section of our class notes.

*How to take a screenshot on the Dell Venue

Evaluation
 

Beginning

1

Developing

2

Accomplished

3

Exemplary

4

Score

Completeness

More than half the questions have not been attempted.

 About half the questions have not been attempted.

More than half the questions have been attempted but not all.

All questions have been attempted.

 

 

Conceptual Understanding

The work shows only a partial attempt.  There is no solutions or an incorrect solution.   The answers may have an incorrect solution.   The answer must include the correct solution but may not be as complete as a "4" response.  All questions answered correctly.    

Organization of Journal

No evident organization

Some organization is shown.

Well organized but some information is missing.

Well organized work.

 

 

Communication

 

Barely (if at all) communicates ideas, answers to question, or a solution. Does not communicate the answers and ideas completely, clearly or accurately. Communicates the answers and ideas completely, clearly and accurately. Communicates answers and ideas completely, clearly and accurately using some combination of written, symbolic or visual means  

 Organization of Math Work

Not well organized.  Answers only or several steps missing.

Somewhat organized. Steps missing

Well organized but some steps are missing

Well organized and all steps shown.

 

Your Final Score          

 

Conclusion

The purpose of this WebQuest was to provide you with an introductory look into linear equations.  We learned about the definition of a linear equation, the parts of a linear equation and what they mean and how to graph a linear equations using a t-chart and using the slope and intercept.