Enhance pupil understanding of proportions and variable relationships by studying direct and inverse variation. Use the idea of a proportional relationship to teach direct variation. Then use a similar pattern to help individuals understand inverse variation. 

Concepts

direct variation, inverse variation, linear relationships, rational functions, problem solving strategies

Show More Show Less

Additional Tags

math

Show More Show Less

Instructional Ideas

• Use the second example as an opener and allow pupils to develop strategies to determine a solution
• Compare and contrast direct and inverse variation with your classes

Classroom Considerations

• Builds from the previous lesson in this series on proportions
• The lesson concludes an 11-part series on fundamental algebraic concepts

Pros

• Uses real-life application to build the concept of variation
• Provides a set of practice problems that includes a problem-solving section

Cons

• Moves quickly to the formula for direct and inverse variation before developing an understanding of the concept

Common Core

8.EE.B.5 8.EE.C.7.a 8.F.B.4