Lesson 7

The Root of the Problem

View Student Lesson

Lesson Narrative

In this lesson, students work backwards from the volumes of original and scaled solids to calculate scale factors. To illustrate the relationship between volume and scale factor, students create a graph of the cube root equation \(y=\sqrt[3]{x}\) based on a situation arising from a geometric context. They use the graph to analyze rates of change in scale factor for different volume inputs. Then, they solve a design problem, using cube roots and square roots to find particular scale factors. This builds on work from grade 8, in which students evaluated cube roots of small perfect cubes and used rational approximations of irrational numbers.

As students discuss how the average rate of change on the graph representing \(y=\sqrt[3]{x}\) differs across input values and relate the rates of change to a situation, they are reasoning abstractly and quantitatively (MP2).


Learning Goals

Teacher Facing

  • Create and interpret (orally and in writing) cube root graphs to represent the relationships between scale factors and volumes.
  • Generate a scale factor that produces a desired volume or surface area dilation.

Student Facing

  • Let’s look at relationships between volumes, areas, and scale factors using graphs and situations.

Required Materials

Required Preparation

Devices are required for the digital version of the activity Thinking Inside the Box. Acquire devices that can run the applet, 1 per student.

Learning Targets

Student Facing

  • I can create and describe graphs that show relationships between volumes and scale factors.
  • I can work backwards from a volume or surface area scaling to find a scale factor.

CCSS Standards

Building On

Addressing

Building Towards

Glossary Entries

  • cube root

    The cube root of a number \(x\), written \(\sqrt[3]{x}\), is the number \(y\) whose cube is \(x\). That is, \(y^3 = x\).

Print Formatted Materials

For access, consult one of our IM Certified Partners.

Additional Resources

Google Slides

For access, consult one of our IM Certified Partners.
PowerPoint Slides

For access, consult one of our IM Certified Partners.