Tray Folding Activity (ARC)
Polynomials and Optimization
Deborah Moore-Russo, University of Oklahoma
Brad Paynter, University of Central Oklahoma
This collaborative activity involving scaffolded contextual optimization is appropriate for algebra or applied algebra students. It is also a good activity for calculus students to introduce optimization with differentiation, but no differentiation is required to complete the activity. The lesson helps facilitate students’ conceptual development reinforcing their quantitative and covariational reasoning as they identify the relevant quantities, namely the dimensions and volume of the tray, with the appropriate units and algebraic expressions for each. This is done in a geometric context so that students can see how a change in one quantity (the height of a tray) affects its volume.
This work is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
