Algebra 2
Semester Two:
Polynomials and Art:
To begin the polynomial project, we each found an picture or photograph from which we could draw polynomials within it. My original picture was of mountains and a lake. We copied our polynomials onto a piece of transparent graph paper where we could then easily find local minimums and maximums. We were able to recalculate the polynomials using the zeros and re-draw them on our graph paper. We then used the newly drawn polynomials to create a new image of our own. I made my mountain polynomials into flowers. A written piece, which you can find below, was also required as part of the project. I chose to do the challenge extension about real-life applications of polynomials.
General Reflection:
In general, this was an enjoyable project. The content was fairly easy to follow once comprehended and there were some creative aspects. At first, I struggled with comprehending how to find the equations for my polynomials, but once I understood, the remainder of the project was fairly easy. After I understood what needed to be done, and which steps needed to be taken in which order, the project went smoothly. My favorite part was being able to creativity use the original polynomials to draw a new picture. It's fun to see what comes out of the imagination, and it's fun to see how math can be a part of that process.
Challenge Extension: Application of Polynomials
Examples of professions that may use polynomials are nature engineers or loggers. A polynomial function can be used to manage land and calculate how many trees to replant after cutting down a section of forest. Polynomials can be used to show how many trees need to be replanted based on the number cut down. The relationship between the two values can be easily represented by a polynomial function.
The example polynomial is much more complex than the ones we have been working with during class. However you can see two different polynomials that are similar to the ones we are familiar with. In class, the polynomial functions look more like the example seen below and the ones drawn in my pictures.
Works Cited:
Bixler, Catalina. "Jobs That Use Polynomials." EHow. Demand Media, 08 Apr. 2010. Web. 01 May 2014. <http://www.ehow.com/list_6330381_jobs-use-polynomials.html>.
Daltrophe, Hadassa. Big Data Interpolation. 9/26/07. Ben-Gurion University. Online. 5/2/14.
Mathews, J. M. "Polynomial Functions in Real Life." Prezi.com. N.p., 25 Mar. 2013. Web. 01 May 2014. <http://prezi.com/xbaa5khp7sok/polynomial-functions-in-real-life/>.
Smith, Clark. "Allometry." Methods of Ecosystem Analysis 1998- Allometry. Yale University School of Forestry & Environmental Studies, 1998. Web. 01 May 2014. <http://www.yale.edu/fes519b/totoket/allom/allom.htm>.
To begin the polynomial project, we each found an picture or photograph from which we could draw polynomials within it. My original picture was of mountains and a lake. We copied our polynomials onto a piece of transparent graph paper where we could then easily find local minimums and maximums. We were able to recalculate the polynomials using the zeros and re-draw them on our graph paper. We then used the newly drawn polynomials to create a new image of our own. I made my mountain polynomials into flowers. A written piece, which you can find below, was also required as part of the project. I chose to do the challenge extension about real-life applications of polynomials.
General Reflection:
In general, this was an enjoyable project. The content was fairly easy to follow once comprehended and there were some creative aspects. At first, I struggled with comprehending how to find the equations for my polynomials, but once I understood, the remainder of the project was fairly easy. After I understood what needed to be done, and which steps needed to be taken in which order, the project went smoothly. My favorite part was being able to creativity use the original polynomials to draw a new picture. It's fun to see what comes out of the imagination, and it's fun to see how math can be a part of that process.
Challenge Extension: Application of Polynomials
Examples of professions that may use polynomials are nature engineers or loggers. A polynomial function can be used to manage land and calculate how many trees to replant after cutting down a section of forest. Polynomials can be used to show how many trees need to be replanted based on the number cut down. The relationship between the two values can be easily represented by a polynomial function.
The example polynomial is much more complex than the ones we have been working with during class. However you can see two different polynomials that are similar to the ones we are familiar with. In class, the polynomial functions look more like the example seen below and the ones drawn in my pictures.
Works Cited:
Bixler, Catalina. "Jobs That Use Polynomials." EHow. Demand Media, 08 Apr. 2010. Web. 01 May 2014. <http://www.ehow.com/list_6330381_jobs-use-polynomials.html>.
Daltrophe, Hadassa. Big Data Interpolation. 9/26/07. Ben-Gurion University. Online. 5/2/14.
Mathews, J. M. "Polynomial Functions in Real Life." Prezi.com. N.p., 25 Mar. 2013. Web. 01 May 2014. <http://prezi.com/xbaa5khp7sok/polynomial-functions-in-real-life/>.
Smith, Clark. "Allometry." Methods of Ecosystem Analysis 1998- Allometry. Yale University School of Forestry & Environmental Studies, 1998. Web. 01 May 2014. <http://www.yale.edu/fes519b/totoket/allom/allom.htm>.
Semester One-
The piece of work I am most proud of from this semester is my Semester Exam Project. I am proud of this because it forced me to utilize all of the skills I learned over the course of the semester. It required me to bring all of the skills I obtained into one project. This project me to dedicate time and thought into it. I was able to make it my own and make problems about things I found interesting. It was also an excellent study tool prior to the final exams to review all of the content.
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