The new Maths A level: Graphing families of curves
Last week the MEI new A level for Maths was accredited – the first full A level to be accredited of all the specifications. The specification includes advice on using technology and the sample assessment materials have questions which lend themselves to the use of technology when teaching the topic. Use of graphing tools for families of curves The MEI specification includes guidance for activities that should be carried out during the course. The first, and possibly most important, of these is: "Graphing tools: Learners should use graphing software to investigate the relationships between graphical and algebraic representations, e.g. understanding the effect of changing the parameter k in the graphs of y = 1/ x + k or y = x ² – kx " The ability to plot a family of curves, and observe the effect on the graphs of dynamically changing a parameter, is an incredibly powerful tool in helping students understand mathematical relationships. Understanding how a mathematical