Name
Algebra I Unit 5
Date
Pd
#5-05
Paper Folding Task
Part I: Number of Sections
1. Fold an 8.5”  11” sheet of paper in half and determine the number of
sections the paper has after you have made the fold.
# of
Folds
# of Sections
0
2. Record this data in the table and continue in the same manner until it
becomes too hard to fold the paper.
1
2
3
4
5
6
3. What might be different if you tried this experiment with an 8.5 x 11” sheet of wax paper or tissue
paper?
4. Identify the independent and dependent variables in the situation. Make a scatter plot of your data in a
separate sheet of graph paper. Why do we not connect the dots? What do you notice about the shape of
the scatter plot?
5. Describe the y-intercept, domain, and range of the function. Note any restrictions, if applicable.
6. Determine a mathematical model that represents this data by examining the patterns in the table.
Name
Algebra I Unit 5
Date
Pd
#5-05
Paper Folding Task
7. Calculate and compare the rates of change on the intervals [1, 3] and [4, 6]. What do you notice?
Part II: Area of Smallest Section
8. Fold an 8.5”  11” sheet of paper in half and determine the area of one of the two sections after you have
made the fold.
Area of
# of Folds
Smallest Section
9. Record this data in the table and continue in the same manner until it
becomes too hard to fold the paper.
0
1
1
2
3
4
10. Make a scatter plot of your data on a separate sheet graph paper.
Describe the shape of the scatter plot.
5
6
11. Describe the y-intercept, domain, and range of the function. Note any restrictions, if applicable to the
context.
12. Determine a mathematical model that represents this data by examining the patterns in the table.