Unit 5

Mathematics 9: Unit 5

Unit 5 Introduction

 
This is an illustration of a group of paper lanterns hanging together.

© Pete Niesen /shutterstock

Formulas can be used to represent lots of different things. There are formulas that calculate the surface area of paper lanterns or disco balls. Formulas, like these, can then be applied to determine, for instance, how much sand is needed to create a human-made beach. Likewise, the speed at which a bungee jumper drops towards the ground is calculated using a specific formula. In some formulas, powers are used to represent specific relationships. For instance, the amount of bacteria on a piece of deli meat that has been sitting in your locker for a month can be determined using a formula that contains a power.

 

power: any expression in the form BE where B is the base and E is the exponent

To learn more, go to Power and go to the Mathematics Glossary.

 

Some formulas have to be calculated in a certain order while rules can be applied to help simplify other formulas. Understanding how to correctly evaluate these mathematical expressions is important. If the operations are not done in the correct order, the result will be incorrect.

In this unit you will investigate the following critical question:

  • How can powers be used to accurately describe quantities?

The concepts and skills associated with powers and exponents will be presented in four lessons.

 

This is a graphic that shows the names of the lessons for Unit 5.

 

Keep up with your assignments as you go through this unit. Keep your work organized, either electronically or in a paper version. This will help you to review and reference the lessons you have learned. Reviewing may help you on tests or while you are working on the unit project. Be sure to talk to your teacher about when and how to submit your assignments.

 

In this unit there are a variety of assignments you will be asked to complete. Some of these include the following:

  • posting to the discussion board
  • adding samples of your work to your Math 9 course folder
  • developing a formula sheet
  • completing sets of questions for each lesson
  • completing a unit project
  • completing evaluation pieces assigned by your teacher
Strategies for Success
 

In order to support your success in this unit, follow these strategies.

 

Strategy 1

 

 

Throughout this course you will be building a formula sheet in a spreadsheet program. The purpose of this project is to produce a formula sheet that you can use to quickly identify specific formulas and their uses. This formula sheet will also help you discuss, analyze, and review these formulas with your peers.

  • The specific instructions and requirements for the formula sheet are provided to you in the course introduction.

  • Keep a look out for the formula sheet icon. This is an indication that you can add that formula in your spreadsheet.

Strategy 2

 

Make a foldable study tool according to the detailed instructions on page 90 of your textbook. Although this activity may not be graded for marks, you will benefit from this tool. Keep these points in mind as you develop and use this study tool.

  • Add formulas, diagrams, examples, key ideas, and glossary words as you work through the lessons.

  • The foldable can serve as a quick reference guide and will help you save time when you are ready to study for your unit test.

Strategy 3

 

In this unit you will be referring to pages 88 to 125 of your textbook.

  • Take time to flip through these textbook pages.

  • Look at illustrations, margin features, and main titles to get a sense of where you will be going.

Strategy 4

 

Read your lessons and textbook materials carefully.

  • Pay special attention to tables and diagrams. They have information that will help you understand what you are reading.

  • Read and reread material. Take time to ensure you understand the information.

  • Ask yourself these questions: What is new material to me? What do I already know?

  • Move ahead with confidence.
Unit 5 Project
 

For the Unit 5 Project, you will create a math mobile that uses a minimum of three different types of three-dimensional shapes. These shapes can include cubes, square-based prisms, cylinders, or other types of geometric shape. In Lessons 1, 3, and 4 you will be completing the “Math Link” activities on pages 91, 98, 113, and 119 of the textbook.

 

At the completion of the unit, you will complete “Math Link: Wrap It Up!” on page 123 of the textbook. You will use what you have learned to create a colourful and visually pleasing math mobile. For specific requirements, please refer to page 123.

 

 

 

As you complete the Unit 5 Project, you may want to refer to the Unit 5 Project Self-Assessment Rubric.

 

You can use this rubric to help you understand how the project will be assessed. The better you understand what the characteristics of quality work are for the project, the easier it will be for you to create high-quality work. Remember, you can always discuss your project with your teacher if you have questions or are unclear about a requirement of the project.

 

Are you ready to apply formulas to all sorts of interesting situations? This applying starts in Lesson 1 with a look at the formulas of bungee jumping!