Mathematical+Reflections,+p+60+0910

SK block b 24 september 09

** Variables and patterns **

**Big Idea:** **Observation and description of changes in the world around us arethe first steps in finding and learning about patterns.**

In this Investigation, you learned to use symbols to write equations for rules relating variables. These questions will help you summarize what you have learned:

**1. The Larson family is traveling from Michigan to Florida at an average speed of 60 miles per hour. Write an equation for a rule you can use to calculate the distance they have travelled after any given number of hours.** (N= number of hours) (D=distance) d=60n or d=60 x n

The advantages of having an equation to represent the Larson family is, you can use a formula to figure out the answer easily, for example: Speed 60 miles per hour distance 2 hours Formula: d=60x2 This is a very simple way and you can use this formula to calculate the distance they have travelled after any given number of hours.
 * 2. What are the advantages of having an equation to represent the Larson family's situation?**

The advantages of having a table is that you can get your reading accurately compared to a graph. A graph will give you data and you have to find out the reading you want but, in a table you don't have to do that, you can get the reading you want.
 * What are the advantages to having a table? A graph?

The advantages of having a graph is that you can find the accurate data and the approximate amount, so if you want a reading, you can get it in an approximate amount which is sometimes needed. A graph looks neat and is easy to understand. You can also put many different reading in one graph and it will still look accurate and neat. ** **Think about your answers to these question, discuss you ideas with other students and you teacher, and then write a summary of your findings in your journal.** In my journal I did a lot of graphs and tables. But from my point of view i find a table much more clear because most of the time i need accurate data which you can get clearly in a table. Most of my data in my journal is jumping jacks and other different topics which i had to put in a table and a graph. So, depending on the data, you have to see which topic is suitable for either a table or a graph. When I had to do a graph I thought that it would be a hassle to draw lines, label and plot the data and sometimes it is very hard to read a graph, but a table is simple and gives the correct information.