Representing Functions 3 Different Ways
Charles Dana Center
Group Clarifying Activity
Instructions:
Students will be given a problem similar to the following: An empty box weighs 20
grams and a pamphlet weighs 8 grams. Often, several pamphlets are put into a box,
and the box is mailed. Represent the relationship between the number of pamphlets
and the mailing weight of the box in at least three different ways.
Students might:
Number of
pamphlets
Mailing
weight
0
1
2
20
28
36
Build a table
3
4
44
52
5
10
20
30
60
100
180
260
Draw a graph
Write an Algebraic Formula
Let n = # of pamphlets
Let w = mailing weight
The formula w = 8n + 20 expresses the mailing weight of the box in grams as a
function of the number of pamphlets in the box.
Give a verbal description
To find the mailing weight in grams, multiply the number of pamphlets by 8 and
add 20.
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Representing Functions 3 Different Ways
Your Group Activity
Instructions: Given the following situation, represent this situation 3 different ways.
Possible representations include: a table, a graph, a mapping, a list of ordered
pairs, an equation, or verbal description.
Jeremy mows lawns in the summer to make money. His services
include mowing the lawn, plus putting the grass into bags. He charges
his customers $40 to mow the lawn, plus $3 per bag of grass. Today he
is mowing Mrs. Laramie’s lawn. Represent the relationship between
the number of bags of grass he collects and the total cost of mowing
Mrs. Laramie’s lawn. Represent the relationship 3 different ways.
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Representing Functions 3 Different Ways (continued)
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