~ 2.12 ~

Using Graphs to Compare Relationships

Learning Targets

  • I know that the steeper graph of two proportional relationships has a larger constant of proportionality.

  • I can compare two, related proportional relationships based on their graphs.

Notes

Here is a graph that shows the price of blueberries at two different stores. Which store has a better price?

We can compare points that have the same x value or the same y value. For example, the points (2,12)and (3,12) tell us that at store B you can get more pounds of blueberries for the same price.

The points (3,12) and (3,18) tell us that at store A you have to pay more for the same quantity of blueberries. This means store B has the better price.

We can also use the graphs to compare the constants of proportionality. The line representing store B goes through the point (1,4), so the constant of proportionality is 4. This tells us that at store B the blueberries cost $4 per pound. This is cheaper than the $6 per pound unit price at store A.

Activities

12.2 Race to the Bumper Cars

This activity is tied to the activity called “Tyler’s Walk” from the previous lesson. All references to Tyler going to the bumper cars come from the statements in that activity.


Diego, Lin, and Mai went from the ticket booth to the bumper cars. Descriptions and tables representing their journeys are below.

  1. Read each description and complete each table.

      • Diego left the ticket booth at the same time as Tyler. Diego jogged ahead at a steady pace and reached the bumper cars in 30 seconds.

      • Lin left the ticket booth at the same time as Tyler. She ran at a steady pace and arrived at the bumper cars in 20 seconds.

      • Mai left the booth 10 seconds later than Tyler. Her steady jog enabled her to catch up with Tyler just as he arrived at the bumper cars.

  2. Draw a graph for each person’s journey, including Tyler's (from before). Use your notebook or the applet to the right ->

      • If using the applet:

          • Drag the names to the correct lines to label them.

          • If you choose to, you can use the Paint Brush tool to change the color of each line. Select the tool, click on a color in the palette below the graph, and then click on a line. Click on the Move tool (the arrow) before changing to a new paint brush color.

          • You can hide any points you create with the checkbox below the graph.

  3. For Tyler, Diego, and Lin, which person is moving the most quickly? How is that reflected in the graph?

12.3 Space Rocks and the Price of Rope

Meteoroid Perseid 245 and an unknown asteroid were traveling through the solar system. Explore the applet to learn about the distance they had each traveled after a given time.

  1. Is Asteroid x traveling faster or slower than Perseid 245? Explain how you know.

Important ideas:

  • A steeper graph has a larger constant of proportionality.

  • In a distance vs. time graph, a steeper graph shows a greater speed.

2. The graph shows the price, p, of different lengths, L, of two types of rope. If you buy $1.00 of each kind of rope, which one will be longer? Explain how you know.

Summary

Assignment

Check Google Classroom!