Charge!

Students use linear functions to model a real-world situation (MP4). They are given data for a relationship that is almost linear, and from that, they develop a linear model. They use their model to make predictions and to determine whether a linear approximation is reasonable and for which values it would be reasonable. Students begin to see both the value and the limitations of linear models. One such limitation—that some data sets cannot be modeled well by a single line—leads into the next lesson where students model nonlinear scenarios with piecewise linear functions.

By Desmos Classroom

Learning goals: Learning Goals • Use data points to model a linear function. • Decide when it is reasonable or not to model a time series with a linear function.