Mathematics 536

Mathematical Reflections 536: Reflection 4

Introduction
This document is a tool designed to help give teachers a clear description of what should be
covered in Reflection 4 of the Reflections 536 textbook. The textbook offers more material
than can be covered in most regular classes. However, this summary should be seen as a
guide only; the amount of time available as well as the students' interests and capabilities
will determine the material which is covered. Further information about the material is
found in the Teacher's Guide.

Objectives Covered in Reflection 4

This reflection covers parts* of two terminal objectives, Objective 1.2: To solve problems by
using functions involving real variables to develop a model for a given situation and Objective
1.3: To transform mathematical expressions involving real variables into equivalent
expressions. The students will examine the use of exponential and logarithmic functions to
model situations and will learn to solve exponential and logarithmic equations.
*Reflections 1 and 7 complete these objectives.
It is important to refer to the MEQ Curriculum document for more details on the
objectives of the program (pp. 18 - 21).
Time 12% of the year. Reflections 1, 4, 7 cover 45% of the year.

Comments
1. Prior Knowledge: Students will continue to use the different modes of representation as
they use functions to model situations mathematically. They will also continue the
study of functions based on the concept of transforming a basic function by changing
any of the four parameters a, b, h and k in the standard form of the rule of
correspondence. They will use their skills of working with exponents developed in Math
436.
2. The use of the graphing calculator will certainly enhance the students’ understanding of
functions because the various modes of representation (rule, graph, table) can be
explored so rapidly.
3. Note:
As the students taking Math 536 generally constitute the top 35 - 40% of the
school’s population, they should be expected to work more autonomously on
assignments in order to cover the course content. Optional topics could be assigned
for independent study.

This document has been prepared by Carolyn Gould, Resource Person for MAPCO.
It is available on the MAPCO website: www.qesn.meq.gouv.qc.ca/mapco/
 Mathematics 536

Mathematical Reflections 536: Reflection 4

Topic Time Priority 1 Optional Omit

Class Homework
1. Exponential 6% √ The Concept of an Investment 1: 6, 7, Investment 3:
Functions Exponent 11 18
(pp. 340 - 387) Investment 1*: 1-5, Think Tank p. 343: Workout 5: 24,
8-10 b, c 55, 56
Think Tank p. 343: Investment 2: 5,
a 10-12
An Exponential Think Tank p. 350
Model Investment 3: 6, 9,
The Basic 15, 17b, c
Exponential Think Tank p. 361
Function Investment 4: 8-
Investment 2: 1-4, 11, 13, 18-20
6-9 Think Tank p. 369
Transformed Workout 5: 2-8, 13,
Exponential 16, 19, 21, 25, 27,
Functions 29, 31, 33-36, 40,
Zeros and Equations 42-49, 51-53, 58,
Signs and 59, 62-65
Inequalities**
Investment 3: 1-5,
7, 8, 10-14, 16,
17a, 19-22
Natural Logarithms
Finding the Rule
Investment 4: 1-7,
12, 14-17
Workout 5***: 1, 9-
12, 14, 15, 17, 18,
20****, 22, 23, 26,
28, 30, 32, 37-39,
41, 50, 54, 57, 60,
61
Pop Quiz p. 386

2. Logarithmic 6% √ Basic Logarithmic Think Tank p. 392

Functions Functions Investment 6: 8,
(pp. 388 - 428) Investment 5: 1-12 10, 15, 16, 19
Laws of Logarithms Think Tank p. 399
Investment 6: 1-7, Investment 7: 10,
9, 11-14, 17, 18 14, 16-18, 24
Transformed Log Think Tank p. 413
Functions
Solving Log
Equations

This document has been prepared by Carolyn Gould, Resource Person for MAPCO.
It is available on the MAPCO website: www.qesn.meq.gouv.qc.ca/mapco/
 Mathematics 536

Mathematical Reflections 536: Reflection 4

Topic Time Priority 1 Optional Omit

Class Homework

2. Logarithmic √ Solving Exponential Workout 6: 1-4, 12, Workout 6: 41,

Functions Equations 16-18, 24-26, 29, 42
cont’d Investment 7: 1-9, 32, 34, 37c, e, f,
11-13*****, 15, h, i, 39, 40, 44-
19-23 46, 48, 51, 52
Workout 6***: 5-11,
13-15, 19-23, 27,
28, 30, 31, 33, 35,
36, 37a, b, d, g,
38, 43, 47, 49, 50
Pop Quiz p. 424

* The word “series” should be replaced by the word “sequence” in both the text and the guide.
A sequence is defined as a set of numbers arranged in order one after the other according to
some rule.
A series is defined as the sum of the terms of a sequence.
(The Nelson Canadian School Mathematics Dictionary)

** Solving exponential inequalities is beyond the scope of Math 536.

*** The number of questions covered in this workout will depend on the time available and the
students’ understanding of the material.

**** The dependent variable for the second table should read “Fraction of initial surface area.”

***** #13 should read “... and d is expressed in centimetres.”

This document has been prepared by Carolyn Gould, Resource Person for MAPCO.
It is available on the MAPCO website: www.qesn.meq.gouv.qc.ca/mapco/