Montana Math MT.PLUS.ALG.MOD.1

MT.PLUS.ALG.MOD.1 is a cluster heading. These are the individual standards under it.

• MT.PLUS.ALG.MOD.1.a

  Determining if a set of data is best modeled by a polynomial, exponential, logarithmic, or trigonometric function or none, and explaining why, and

• MT.PLUS.ALG.MOD.1.b

  Understanding that there are contexts where solutions may not lie on the curve.

01

What Students Need to Do

Students plot data from local communities and familiar situations. They choose a polynomial, exponential, logarithmic, trigonometric, or no model. They explain their choice and note where readings fall off the fitted curve.

02

What Mastery Looks Like

A student uses graph shape and context to choose a model or reject all four. They point to evidence, such as steady ratios or repeating seasons, and identify a reading the curve misses.

03

Common Misconceptions

Students may call every rising curve exponential or mistake a one-time rise for a repeating cycle. They may assume a fitted curve must hit every data point or stay accurate beyond the measured data.

04

How to Assess It

Exit ticket: Plot sample daylight hours for Jan, Mar, May, Jul, Sep, and Nov: 9, 12, 15, 16, 12, and 9. Ask students to choose a model, explain why, and mark a point their fitted curve misses.

1. 01

   Pairs plot printed tables of ball height, compound interest, decibels versus sound intensity, and daylight hours with dot stickers, then sketch fitted curves.

2. 02

   Have students write why a fitted curve misses a marked river-flow reading and whether any of the four function types fits the full graph.

3. 03

   Play model match: teams sort eight scatterplot cards into polynomial, exponential, logarithmic, trigonometric, or none, then defend one disputed card.

4. 04

   Graph USGS Flathead River flow at Polson on the Flathead Reservation; decide whether a fitted curve catches sudden rises relevant to river safety.

• MT.CORE.ALG.MOD.2

  Interpret the coefficients in a linear, quadratic, and exponential model in context. This standard should incorporate cultural context relating to Montana Indig...

• 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...

• MT.PLUS.ALG.MOD.2

  Interpret the coefficients in a polynomial, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric model in context. This standard should incorporate cultural context rela...