Lesson 11

In this lesson students build off their concrete calculations from the previous lesson to write a generalized formula for the perimeter of a polygon inscribed in a circle of radius 1. The relatively unstructured presentation of this activity is purposeful so students can build their perseverance and sense-making (MP1). Students should work with their groups to determine what information they need, how they calculated this information in the specific cases, and how they can express those repeated procedures in a generalized formula (MP8).

Once students build a generalized formula, they apply the formula to approximate the value of \(\pi\). During the lesson synthesis students learn methods ancient mathematicians used to generate both upper and lower bounds of \(\pi\). This lesson presents an opportunity for seeing how mathematics has changed over history and how ancient techniques are still in use but with the added power of computers.

Devices are required for the digital version of the activity N Sides. Acquire devices that can run the GeoGebra applet, ideally 1 per student.

Be prepared to display an applet for all to see during the lesson synthesis.