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  • Springboard Mathematics: Algebra 2 (2015)

Springboard Mathematics: Algebra 2 (2015)

3: Systems of Linear Equations--Monetary Systems Overload

Screenshot of Cat and Mouse (Modeling with Linear Systems)

Cat and Mouse (Modeling with Linear Systems)

Experiment with a system of two lines representing a cat-and-mouse chase. Adjust the speeds of the cat and mouse and the head start of the mouse, and immediately see the effects on the graph and on the chase. Connect real-world meaning to slope, y-intercept, and the intersection of lines. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
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Screenshot of Solving Linear Systems (Standard Form)

Solving Linear Systems (Standard Form)

Solve systems of linear equations, written in standard form. Explore what it means to solve systems algebraically (with substitution or elimination) and graphically. Also, use a draggable green point to see what it means when (x, y) values are solutions of an equation, or of a system of equations. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
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Screenshot of Solving Linear Systems (Standard Form)

Solving Linear Systems (Standard Form)

Solve systems of linear equations, written in standard form. Explore what it means to solve systems algebraically (with substitution or elimination) and graphically. Also, use a draggable green point to see what it means when (x, y) values are solutions of an equation, or of a system of equations. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
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5: Function Composition and Operations--New from Old

Screenshot of Function Machines 3 (Functions and Problem Solving)

Function Machines 3 (Functions and Problem Solving)

Drop a number into a function machine, and see what number comes out! You can use one of the six pre-set function machines, or program your own function rule into one of the blank machines. Stack up to three function machines together. Input and output can be recorded in a table and on a graph. 5 Minute Preview


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6: Inverse Functions--Old from New

Screenshot of Function Machines 3 (Functions and Problem Solving)

Function Machines 3 (Functions and Problem Solving)

Drop a number into a function machine, and see what number comes out! You can use one of the six pre-set function machines, or program your own function rule into one of the blank machines. Stack up to three function machines together. Input and output can be recorded in a table and on a graph. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
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7: Applications of Quadratic Functions--Fences

8: Introduction to Complex Numbers--Cardano's Imaginary Numbers

Screenshot of Points in the Complex Plane

Points in the Complex Plane

Identify the imaginary and real coordinates of a point in the complex plane. Drag the point in the plane and investigate how the coordinates change in response. 5 Minute Preview


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9: Solving ax^2+bx+c=0--Deriving the Quadratic Formula

Screenshot of Roots of a Quadratic

Roots of a Quadratic

Find the root of a quadratic using its graph or the quadratic formula. Explore the graph of the roots and the point of symmetry in the complex plane. Compare the axis of symmetry and graph of the quadratic in the real plane. 5 Minute Preview


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10: Writing Quadratic Equations--What Goes Up Must Come Down

Screenshot of Free-Fall Laboratory

Free-Fall Laboratory

Investigate the motion of an object as it falls to the ground. A variety of objects can be compared, and their motion can be observed in a vacuum, in normal air, and in denser air. The position, velocity, and acceleration are measured over time, and the forces on the object can be displayed. Using the manual settings, the mass, radius, height, and initial velocity of the object can be adjusted, as can the air density and wind. 5 Minute Preview


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Screenshot of Golf Range

Golf Range

Try to get a hole in one by adjusting the velocity and launch angle of a golf ball. Explore the physics of projectile motion in a frictional or ideal setting. Horizontal and vertical velocity vectors can be displayed, as well as the path of the ball. The height of the golfer and the force of gravity are also adjustable. 5 Minute Preview


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Screenshot of Parabolas

Parabolas

Explore parabolas in a conic section context. Find the relationship among the vertex, focus, and directrix of a parabola, and how that relates to its equation. 5 Minute Preview


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11: Transformations of y=x^2--Parent Parabola

Screenshot of Quadratics in Vertex Form

Quadratics in Vertex Form

Compare the graph of a quadratic to its equation in vertex form. Vary the terms of the equation and explore how the graph changes in response. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
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Screenshot of Translating and Scaling Functions

Translating and Scaling Functions

Vary the coefficients in the equation of a function and examine how the graph of the function is translated or scaled. Select different functions to translate and scale, and determine what they have in common. 5 Minute Preview


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12: Graphing Quadratics and Quadratic Inequalities--Calendar Art

Screenshot of Quadratic Inequalities

Quadratic Inequalities

Find the solution set to a quadratic inequality using its graph. Vary the terms of the inequality and the inequality symbol. Examine how the boundary curve and shaded region change in response. 5 Minute Preview


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Screenshot of Quadratics in Polynomial Form

Quadratics in Polynomial Form

Compare the graph of a quadratic to its equation in polynomial form. Vary the coefficients of the equation and explore how the graph changes in response. 5 Minute Preview


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13: Systems of Linear and Nonlinear Equations--Supply and Demand

Screenshot of Quadratic Inequalities

Quadratic Inequalities

Find the solution set to a quadratic inequality using its graph. Vary the terms of the inequality and the inequality symbol. Examine how the boundary curve and shaded region change in response. 5 Minute Preview


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14: Introduction to Polynomials--Postal Service

Screenshot of Graphs of Polynomial Functions

Graphs of Polynomial Functions

Study the graphs of polynomials up to the fourth degree. Vary the coefficients of the equation and investigate how the graph changes in response. Explore things like intercepts, end behavior, and even near-zero behavior. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
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Screenshot of Graphs of Polynomial Functions

Graphs of Polynomial Functions

Study the graphs of polynomials up to the fourth degree. Vary the coefficients of the equation and investigate how the graph changes in response. Explore things like intercepts, end behavior, and even near-zero behavior. 5 Minute Preview


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Screenshot of Zap It! Game

Zap It! Game

Adjust the values in a quadratic function, in vertex form or in polynomial form, to "zap" as many data points as possible. 5 Minute Preview


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15: Polynomial Operations--Polly's Pasta

Screenshot of Addition of Polynomials

Addition of Polynomials

Add polynomials using an area model. Use step-by-step feedback to diagnose any mistakes. 5 Minute Preview


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16: Binomial Theorem--Pascal's Triangle

Screenshot of Binomial Probabilities

Binomial Probabilities

Find the probability of a number of successes or failures in a binomial experiment using a tree diagram, a bar graph, and direct calculation. 5 Minute Preview


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17: Factors of Polynomials--How Many Roots?

Screenshot of Dividing Polynomials Using Synthetic Division

Dividing Polynomials Using Synthetic Division

Divide a polynomial by dragging the correct numbers into the correct positions for synthetic division. Compare the interpreted polynomial division to the synthetic division. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
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Screenshot of Polynomials and Linear Factors

Polynomials and Linear Factors

Create a polynomial as a product of linear factors. Vary the values in the linear factors to see how their connection to the roots of the function. 5 Minute Preview


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18: Graphs of Polynomials--Getting to the End Behavior

Screenshot of Graphs of Polynomial Functions

Graphs of Polynomial Functions

Study the graphs of polynomials up to the fourth degree. Vary the coefficients of the equation and investigate how the graph changes in response. Explore things like intercepts, end behavior, and even near-zero behavior. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
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Screenshot of Graphs of Polynomial Functions

Graphs of Polynomial Functions

Study the graphs of polynomials up to the fourth degree. Vary the coefficients of the equation and investigate how the graph changes in response. Explore things like intercepts, end behavior, and even near-zero behavior. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
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19: Arithmetic Sequences and Series--Arithmetic Alkanes

Screenshot of Arithmetic Sequences

Arithmetic Sequences

Find the value of individual terms in arithmetic sequences using graphs of the sequences and direct computation. Vary the common difference and examine how the sequences change in response. 5 Minute Preview


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20: Geometric Sequences and Series--Squares with Patterns

Screenshot of Geometric Sequences

Geometric Sequences

Explore geometric sequences by varying the initial term and the common ratio and examining the graph. Compute specific terms in the sequence using the explicit and recursive formulas. 5 Minute Preview


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21: Exponential Functions and Graphs--Sizing Up the Situation

Screenshot of Compound Interest

Compound Interest

Explore compound interest in-depth, from compounded annually to compounded continuously. In addition, compare the END POINTS graph, with dots that fit an exponential curve, to the ALL TIME graph, which has a more step-like appearance. 5 Minute Preview


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22: Logarithms and Their Properties--Earthquakes and Richter Scale

Screenshot of Logarithmic Functions

Logarithmic Functions

Compare the equation of a logarithmic function to its graph. Change the base of the logarithmic function and examine how the graph changes in response. Use the line y = x to compare the associated exponential function. 5 Minute Preview


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Screenshot of Logarithmic Functions: Translating and Scaling

Logarithmic Functions: Translating and Scaling

Vary the values in the equation of a logarithmic function and examine how the graph is translated or scaled. Connect these transformations with the domain of the function, and the asymptote in the graph. 5 Minute Preview


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23: Inverse Functions: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions--Undoing it All

Screenshot of Half-life

Half-life

Investigate the decay of a radioactive substance. The half-life and the number of radioactive atoms can be adjusted, and theoretical or random decay can be observed. Data can be interpreted visually using a dynamic graph, a bar chart, and a table. Determine the half-lives of two sample isotopes as well as samples with randomly generated half-lives. 5 Minute Preview


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Screenshot of Logarithmic Functions

Logarithmic Functions

Compare the equation of a logarithmic function to its graph. Change the base of the logarithmic function and examine how the graph changes in response. Use the line y = x to compare the associated exponential function. 5 Minute Preview


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24: Logarithmic and Exponential Equations and Inequalities--College Costs

Screenshot of Compound Interest

Compound Interest

Explore compound interest in-depth, from compounded annually to compounded continuously. In addition, compare the END POINTS graph, with dots that fit an exponential curve, to the ALL TIME graph, which has a more step-like appearance. 5 Minute Preview


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25: Square Root and Cube Root Functions--Go, Boat, Go!

Screenshot of Radical Functions

Radical Functions

Compare the graph of a radical function to its equation. Vary the terms of the equation. Explore how the graph is translated and stretched by the changes to the equation. 5 Minute Preview


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Screenshot of Radical Functions

Radical Functions

Compare the graph of a radical function to its equation. Vary the terms of the equation. Explore how the graph is translated and stretched by the changes to the equation. 5 Minute Preview


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26: Inverses: Roots, Squares, and Cubes--Swing, Swing, Swing

Screenshot of Square Roots

Square Roots

Explore the meaning of square roots using an area model. Use the side length of a square to find the square root of a decimal number or a whole number. 5 Minute Preview


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27: Introduction to Rational Functions--Planning a Summer Camp

Screenshot of General Form of a Rational Function

General Form of a Rational Function

Compare the equation of a rational function to its graph. Multiply or divide the numerator and denominator by linear factors and explore how the graph changes in response. 5 Minute Preview


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Screenshot of Rational Functions

Rational Functions

Compare the graph of a rational function to its equation. Vary the terms of the equation and explore how the graph is translated and stretched as a result. Examine the domain on a number line and compare it to the graph of the equation. 5 Minute Preview


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28: Inverse Variation and Rational Functions--Stream Survival

Screenshot of Direct and Inverse Variation

Direct and Inverse Variation

Adjust the constant of variation and explore how the graph of the direct or inverse variation function changes in response. Compare direct variation functions to inverse variation functions. 5 Minute Preview


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29: Simplifying Rational Expressions--It's All Rational

Screenshot of Dividing Polynomials Using Synthetic Division

Dividing Polynomials Using Synthetic Division

Divide a polynomial by dragging the correct numbers into the correct positions for synthetic division. Compare the interpreted polynomial division to the synthetic division. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
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Screenshot of Exponents and Power Rules

Exponents and Power Rules

Choose the correct steps to simplify expressions with exponents using the rules of exponents and powers. Use feedback to diagnose incorrect steps. 5 Minute Preview


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Screenshot of Multiplying Exponential Expressions

Multiplying Exponential Expressions

Choose the correct steps to multiply exponential expressions. Use the feedback to diagnose incorrect steps. 5 Minute Preview


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32: Trigonometric Functions--Which Angle is Up?

Screenshot of Sine, Cosine, and Tangent Ratios

Sine, Cosine, and Tangent Ratios

Reshape and resize a right triangle and examine how the sine of angle A, the cosine of angle A, and the tangent of angle A change. 5 Minute Preview


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33: Trigonometric Identities: Pythagorean Connection--More Than Just Triangles

Screenshot of Simplifying Trigonometric Expressions

Simplifying Trigonometric Expressions

Choose the correct steps to simplify a trigonometric function. Use step-by-step feedback to diagnose incorrect steps. 5 Minute Preview


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34: Graphs of Trigonometric Functions--Creation of a Mural

Screenshot of Cosine Function

Cosine Function

Compare the graph of the cosine function with the graph of the angle on the unit circle. Drag a point along the cosine curve and see the corresponding angle on the unit circle. 5 Minute Preview


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Screenshot of Sine Function

Sine Function

Compare the graph of the sine function with the graph of the angle on the unit circle. Drag a point along the sine curve and see the corresponding angle on the unit circle. 5 Minute Preview


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Screenshot of Tangent Function

Tangent Function

Compare the graph of the tangent function with the graph of the angle on the unit circle. Drag a point along the tangent curve and see the corresponding angle on the unit circle. 5 Minute Preview


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Screenshot of Sine Function

Sine Function

Compare the graph of the sine function with the graph of the angle on the unit circle. Drag a point along the sine curve and see the corresponding angle on the unit circle. 5 Minute Preview


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36: Normal Distribution--Take Me Out to the Ballgame

Screenshot of Sight vs. Sound Reactions

Sight vs. Sound Reactions

Measure your reaction time by clicking your mouse as quickly as possible when visual or auditory stimuli are presented. The individual response times are recorded, as well as the mean and standard deviation for each test. A histogram of data shows overall trends in sight and sound response times. The type of test as well as the symbols and sounds used are chosen by the user. 5 Minute Preview


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Screenshot of Time Estimation

Time Estimation

Try to estimate the passage of time by selecting a time interval, clicking the Start button, and clicking Stop when you think the interval has passed. The estimate and percent error are recorded. Compare different techniques for estimating time, as well as the average error for long time intervals versus shorter intervals. 5 Minute Preview


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37: Random Sampling--Part-Time Jobs

Screenshot of Polling: City

Polling: City

Poll residents in a large city to determine their response to a yes-or-no question. Estimate the actual percentage of yes votes in the whole city. Examine the results of many polls to help assess how reliable the results from a single poll are. See how the normal curve approximates a binomial distribution for large enough polls. 5 Minute Preview


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Screenshot of Polling: Neighborhood

Polling: Neighborhood

Conduct a phone poll of citizens in a small neighborhood to determine their response to a yes-or-no question. Use the results to estimate the sentiment of the entire population. Investigate how the error of this estimate becomes smaller as more people are polled. Compare random versus non-random sampling. 5 Minute Preview


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Screenshot of Populations and Samples

Populations and Samples

Compare sample distributions drawn from population distributions. Predict characteristics of a population distribution based on a sample distribution and examine how well a small sample represents a given population. 5 Minute Preview


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About STEM Cases

Students assume the role of a scientist trying to solve a real world problem. They use scientific practices to collect and analyze data, and form and test a hypothesis as they solve the problems.

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© 2025 ExploreLearning. All rights reserved. Gizmo and Gizmos are registered trademarks of ExploreLearning. STEM Cases, Handbooks and the associated Realtime Reporting System are protected by US Patent No. 10,410,534

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© 2025 ExploreLearning. All rights reserved. Gizmo and Gizmos are registered trademarks of ExploreLearning. STEM Cases, Handbooks and the associated Realtime Reporting System are protected by US Patent No. 10,410,534

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