Piecewise Functions Project Students
Piecewise Functions Project Students
Summary:
This performance-based summative assessment concludes a Pre Calculus unit on Graphing Functions, including
previous sections Functions/Relations, identifying Domain and Range, increasing/decreasing/constant intervals,
relative Minimums and Maximums, and Even Odd Symmetry. It is a good way to incorporate all of the function
vocabulary in a Rule of 4 (Algebraic, Numeric, Graphical, Verbal description) format.
The students are assigned random partners, and a unique piecewise function to sketch, and identify: Domain, Range,
etc. This gives the students an opportunity to work with someone they may not have worked with before, hence
fostering communication skills. And since each pair has a unique function, the pairs are encouraged to help each
other, thus furthering the teamwork aspect. The various pieces include all families of functions studied to date:
Linear, Square Root, Absolute Value, Squaring, Cubic, and Greatest Integer. Hence, its also a great way to reinforce
the concept of families of functions.
The functions are drawn on the large poster paper and displayed throughout the classroom. And to further show the
connection between sequential math classes, I can use the posters with my Calculus students to discuss the concepts
of Limits and Continuity. And later use them in Pre Calculus to construct a scavenger hunt, for example, find the
functions whose domain does not include all real numbers. Those connections are vital to a successful math career.
Problem Number:_____
After your random partner has been selected, you will be assigned a unique piecewise
function. No pairs have the same function, so you may consult with other groups if you need
to. First you are going to want to sketch the function on a piece of graph paper, and then copy
it nicely onto the poster paper and hang it on the wall. You will also need to describe your
function using all of the function vocabulary that we have reviewed this year: families
represented; domain; range; intervals over which the function is increasing, decreasing,
constant: relative minimums and maximums; and any symmetry. In order to sketch the graph,
you will need to construct tables for each piece. Dont forget your endpoints for each piece!
And dont forget to complete the reflection on the back of this sheet.
The scoring for your project will be as follows:
Possible Points
Table(s) for each piece (including endpoints)
10
Earned Points
______
10
______
Families Represented
10
______
30
______
______
Range (ditto)
______
10
______
Relative Minimums
______
Relative Maximums
______
______
______
TOTAL
100
______
Increasing
Decreasing
Constant
Student Reflection:
Something I learned about from doing this project (include Piecewise functions as well as the
collaborative experience):