Activity 2: Graphing Absolute Value Inequalities

Introduction:

In this activity, students will use a TI-83 graphing calculator to solve absolute inequalities. The activity should be taught after students have learned to solve inequalities. This activity will build on the prior knowledge of solving inequalities and using similar steps to solve absolute value inequalities. They should be able use the methods learned in Activity 1 to help solve for absolute value inequalities.

The problems in Activity 2 relate to distance. This is because distance is a great way to incorporate absolute value since you do not have a negative distance unless going backwards.

Discussion:

Layout of Activity 2

Solutions to Activity 2

Conclusion:
Students will be able to use this activity as a verification of solving absolute value inequities by hand. They will be able to check their answers in order to make sure their answers make sense. A possible extension of this activity would be solving quadratic inequalities. After graphing absolute value inequalities by hand on the number line, this activity can extend the concepts to a graphing calculator model. The concept of setting equations equal to zero is reinforced with solving linear equations, quadratic inequalities and more.

Homepage

Write Up 1