DP Math Analysis and Approaches SL Unit Plan Functions (Part 1)
DP Math Analysis and Approaches SL Unit Plan Functions (Part 1)
Models are depictions of real-life events using expressions, equations or Paper 1 style examination questions (No calculator allowed)
graphs while a function is defined as a relation or expression involving
- Short-response questions
one or more variables. Creating different representations of functions to
- Extended-response questions
model the relationships between variables, visually and symbolically as
graphs, equations and tables represents different ways to communicate Paper 2 style examination questions (calculator required)
mathematical ideas. - Short-response questions
Textbook: Hasse and Harris, Mathematics Analysis and Approaches SL - Extended response questions
2 for use with IB Diploma Programme (2019)
Transfer goals
List here one to three big, overarching, long-term goals for this unit. Transfer goals are the major goals that ask students to “transfer”, or apply, their
knowledge, skills, and concepts at the end of the unit under new/different circumstances, and on their own without scaffolding from the teacher.
(1) Transform common realistic contexts into mathematics; comment on the context; sketch or draw mathematical diagrams, graphs or constructions
both on paper and using technology; record methods, solutions and conclusions using standardized notation; use appropriate notation and
terminology.
(2) Use technology accurately, appropriately and efficiently both to explore new ideas and to solve problems.
(3) Investigate unfamiliar situations, both abstract and from the real world, involving organizing and analysing information, making conjectures,
Essential understandings
List here the key content/skills/concepts that students will know/develop by the end of the unit.
Missed concepts/misunderstandings
List here likely misunderstandings students may have during the unit with relation to skills, content and concepts.
Content-based:
1. Errors in translating what is given in the problem to an appropriate function.
2. Errors in algebraic manipulation.
3. Errors in defining the domain and range of a given function.
4. Premature rounding. Only the final answers should be rounded. Where the results of interim calculations are needed to arrive at the final answer,
these should not be rounded off.
Inquiry questions
List here the understandings above written in question form, preferably as ones that inspire students to answer them. Feel free to create additional
questions that help inspire further inquiry in the unit but may not directly connect to an above essential understanding.
Content-based:
1. Relations and functions - What is the difference between a relation and a function? How can we know a function or relation based on its graph?
2. Function notation - What are the different notations for functions? What do the notations tell us about the functions?
3. Domain and range - What is the difference between domain and range? How can we determine the domain of a function based on its graph or
based on its equation? How can we determine the range of a function based on its graph or based on its equation?
4. Rational functions - What is a rational function? What are the characteristics of a rational function? What is the behaviour of a rational function?
How can we determine the domain and range of a rational function?
5. Composite functions - What is a composite function? How can we form composite function? How does the composition of a function affect the
functions domain and range?
6. Inverse functions - How do we get the inverse of a function? How does this relate to the transformation of functions?
7. Absolute value functions - What is an absolute value function? What are the characteristics of an absolute value function? What is the behaviour
of an absolute value function? How can we determine the domain and range of a rational function?
Skills-based:
1. Mathematical modelling skills – What are the parameters and assumptions that must be considered whenever making mathematical model? What
are the processes involve in mathematical modelling? How can we determine the accuracy and validity of the mathematical models we generate?
Concept-based:
1. Representation – How can we represent different functions and relations?
Resources
Students enjoyed working in groups and sharing Students need more time to understand continuous
the results of their mathematical processes in front probability density function. They need more
Students need more exposure to unfamiliar and
of the class. visualizations in this particular topic.
abstract problems.
Students also enjoyed peer-teaching and learning.
The able students were motivated in teaching and
Students are still struggling in translating abstract
coaching their peers as we discussed some
problems mathematically.
challenging parts of the unit.
Students enjoyed solving real-world problems
involving probability. They also enjoyed making
their own problems to be solved by their peers.
Transfer goals
(1) Construct mathematical arguments through use of precise statements, logical deduction and inference and by the manipulation of mathematical
expressions.
(2) Recall, select and use their knowledge of mathematical facts, concepts and techniques in a variety of familiar and unfamiliar contexts.
(3) Investigate unfamiliar situations, both abstract and from the real world, involving organizing and analysing information, making conjectures, drawing
conclusions, and testing their validity
Transfer reflection
How successful were the students in achieving the transfer goals by the end of the unit?
In terms of using and applying their mathematical skills in solving problems in both familiar and unfamiliar contexts, students were quite successful in this
goal. Students, however, can benefit more from additional practice in applying their skills in many different contexts. Students also performed well in
constructing mathematical arguments through logical deduction and inference especially when set in an abstract context. It would be beneficial for the
students if they are given more time to process data and information if they are to apply their skills in a variety of concrete and abstract setting. Real-world
problems were translated mathematically by the students quite successfully. They were able to produce some accurate and reliable models. If this unit is
taught again in the future, more practice in terms of testing the validity of their models or the generalizations they made are needed.