Montana Math MT.CORE.ALG.MOD.1.a
The Standard
- MT.CORE.ALG.MOD.1
- Model situations in context, with linear, quadratic, and exponential functions. This standard should incorporate cultural context relating to Montana Indigenous Peoples and local communities by: Determining if a set of data is best modeled by a linear function, quadratic function, exponential function, or none, and explaining why, and Understanding that there are contexts where solutions may not lie on the curve.
Model situations in context, with linear, quadratic, and exponential functions. This standard should incorporate cultural context relating to Montana Indigenous Peoples and local communities by: Determining if a set of data is best modeled by a linear function, quadratic function, exponential function, or none, and explaining why, and
2026 Montana Mathematics Content Standards · Algebraic and Functional Reasoning
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students graph data from situations such as Montana tribal college enrollment and local school enrollment. They compare changes over equal time steps, then choose a linear, quadratic, exponential, or no clear model and explain why.
What Mastery Looks Like
- Students use a graph, first differences, second differences, and ratios to judge which model fits. They write an equation for a reasonable fit or explain why none of the three models works well.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may call every curved graph exponential, even when second differences are steady. They may compare changes across unequal time gaps or force a model onto data with no clear pattern.
How to Assess It
- Exit ticket: A fictional community center logs 25, 28, 33, 40, 49 visits in years 0 to 4. Name the best model, show a number check, and write its equation.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Plot four fictional yearly enrollment tables on graph paper, then mark first differences, second differences, and ratios beside each graph.
Ask, 'Which table fits none of the three models, and what numbers support your choice?' Have students defend their answer in two sentences.
Match cards showing data tables, graphs, and model labels; include a 'none' card for data with no clear pattern.
Graph publicly reported Salish Kootenai College enrollment by year, then discuss whether any model gives a reasonable next-year estimate.
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