- Home
- Find Gizmos
- Browse by Core Curriculum
- Houghton Mifflin Textbooks
- Algebra and Trigonometry: A Graphing Approach (2001)
Algebra and Trigonometry: A Graphing Approach (2001)
Chapter P: Prerequisites
P.1. Real Numbers
Integers, Opposites, and Absolute Values
Compare and order integers using draggable points on a number line. Also explore opposites and absolute values on the number line. 5 Minute Preview
P.2. Exponents and Radicals
Multiplying Exponential Expressions
Choose the correct steps to multiply exponential expressions. Use the feedback to diagnose incorrect steps. 5 Minute Preview
Dividing Exponential Expressions
Choose the correct steps to divide exponential expressions. Use the feedback to diagnose incorrect steps. 5 Minute Preview
Operations with Radical Expressions
Identify the correct steps to complete operations with a radical expression. Use step-by-step feedback to diagnose incorrect steps. 5 Minute Preview
P.3. Polynomials and Factoring
Addition and Subtraction of Functions
Explore the graphs of two polynomials and the graph of their sum or difference. Vary the coefficients in the polynomials and investigate how the graphs change in response. 5 Minute Preview
Addition of Polynomials
Add polynomials using an area model. Use step-by-step feedback to diagnose any mistakes. 5 Minute Preview
Modeling the Factorization of ax2+bx+c
Factor a polynomial with a leading coefficient greater than 1 using an area model. Use step-by-step feedback to diagnose any mistakes. 5 Minute Preview
Modeling the Factorization of x2+bx+c
Factor a polynomial with a leading coefficient equal to 1 using an area model. Use step-by-step feedback to diagnose any mistakes. 5 Minute Preview
Factoring Special Products
Choose the correct steps to factor a polynomial involving perfect-square binomials, differences of squares, or constant factors. Use the feedback to diagnose incorrect steps. 5 Minute Preview
P.4. Rational Expressions
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
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
P.5. Graphical Representation of Data
Mean, Median, and Mode
Build a data set and find the mean, median, and mode. Explore the mean, median, and mode illustrated as frogs on a seesaw, frogs on a scale, and as frogs stacked under a bar of variable height. 5 Minute Preview
Box-and-Whisker Plots
Construct a box-and-whisker plot to match a line plots, and construct a line plot to match a box-and-whisker plots. Manipulate the line plot and examine how the box-and-whisker plot changes. Then manipulate the box-and-whisker plot and examine how the line plot changes. 5 Minute Preview
Histograms
Change the values in a data set and examine how the dynamic histogram changes in response. Adjust the interval size of the histogram and see how the shape of the histogram is affected. 5 Minute Preview
Stem-and-Leaf Plots
Build a data set and compare the line plot of the data set to the stem-and-leaf plot. 5 Minute Preview
Trends in Scatter Plots
Examine the scatter plot for a random data set with negative or positive correlation. Vary the correlation and explore how correlation is reflected in the scatter plot and the trend line. 5 Minute Preview
Chapter 1: Functions and Their Graphs
1.1. Graphs of Equations
Points in the Coordinate Plane
Identify the coordinates of a point in the coordinate plane. Drag the point in the plane and investigate how the coordinates change in response. 5 Minute Preview
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
1.2. Lines in the Plane
Slope
Explore the slope of a line, and learn how to calculate slope. Adjust the line by moving points that are on the line, and see how its slope changes. 5 Minute Preview
Slope-Intercept Form of a Line
Compare the slope-intercept form of a linear equation to its graph. Vary the coefficients and explore how the graph changes in response. 5 Minute Preview
Point-Slope Form of a Line
Compare the point-slope form of a linear equation to its graph. Vary the coefficients and explore how the graph changes in response. 5 Minute Preview
1.3. Functions
Linear Functions
Determine if a relation is a function from the mapping diagram, ordered pairs, or graph. Use the graph to determine if it is linear. 5 Minute Preview
Introduction to Functions
Determine if a relation is a function using the mapping diagram, ordered pairs, or the graph of the relation. Drag arrows from the domain to the range, type in ordered pairs, or drag points to the graph to add inputs and outputs to the relation. 5 Minute Preview
1.4. Graphs of 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
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
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
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
1.5. Shifting, Reflecting, and Stretching Graphs
Rotations, Reflections, and Translations
Rotate, reflect, and translate a figure in the plane. Compare the translated figure to the original figure. 5 Minute Preview
1.7. Inverse 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
Chapter 2: Intercepts, Zeros, and Solutions
2.1. Modeling with Linear Equations
Distance-Time Graphs
Create a graph of a runner's position versus time and watch the runner complete a 40-yard dash based on the graph you made. Notice the connection between the slope of the line and the speed of the runner. What will the runner do if the slope of the line is zero? What if the slope is negative? Add a second runner (a second graph) and connect real-world meaning to the intersection of two graphs. 5 Minute Preview
Solving Using Trend Lines
Examine the scatter plots for data related to weather at different latitudes. The Gizmo includes three different data sets, one with negative correlation, one positive, and one with no correlation. Compare the least squares best-fit line. 5 Minute Preview
2.2. Solving Equations Graphically
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
Slope-Intercept Form of a Line
Compare the slope-intercept form of a linear equation to its graph. Vary the coefficients and explore how the graph changes in response. 5 Minute Preview
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
Solving Linear Systems (Slope-Intercept Form)
Solve systems of linear equations, given in slope-intercept form, both graphically and algebraically. Use a draggable green point to examine what it means for an
2.3. Complex Numbers
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
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
2.4. Solving Equations Algebraically
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
Modeling the Factorization of ax2+bx+c
Factor a polynomial with a leading coefficient greater than 1 using an area model. Use step-by-step feedback to diagnose any mistakes. 5 Minute Preview
Modeling the Factorization of x2+bx+c
Factor a polynomial with a leading coefficient equal to 1 using an area model. Use step-by-step feedback to diagnose any mistakes. 5 Minute Preview
2.5. Solving Inequalities Algebraically and Graphically
Exploring Linear Inequalities in One Variable
Solve inequalities in one variable. Examine the inequality on a number line and determine which points are solutions to the inequality. 5 Minute Preview
Solving Linear Inequalities in One Variable
Solve one-step inequalities in one variable. Graph the solution on a number line. 5 Minute Preview
Absolute Value Equations and Inequalities
Solve an inequality involving absolute values using a graph of the absolute-value function. Vary the terms of the absolute-value function and vary the value that you are comparing it to. Then explore how the graph and solution set change in response. 5 Minute Preview
Linear Inequalities in Two Variables
Find the solution set to a linear inequality in two variables using the graph of the linear inequality. Vary the terms of the inequality and vary the inequality symbol. Examine how the boundary line and shaded region change in response. 5 Minute Preview
Chapter 3: Polynomial and Rational Functions
3.1. Quadratic Functions
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
Quadratics in Factored Form
Investigate the factors of a quadratic through its graph and through its equation. Vary the roots of the quadratic and examine how the graph and the equation change in response. 5 Minute Preview
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
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
3.2. Polynomial Functions of Higher Degree
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
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
3.3. Real Zeros of Polynomial Functions
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
3.5. Rational Functions and Asymptotes
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
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
3.6. Graphs 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
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
Chapter 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions
4.1. Exponential Functions and Their Graphs
Exponential Functions
Explore the graph of an exponential function. Vary the coefficient and base of the function and investigate the changes to the graph of the function. 5 Minute Preview
Exponential Growth and Decay
Explore the graph of the exponential growth or decay function. Vary the initial amount and the rate of growth or decay and investigate the changes to the graph. 5 Minute Preview
4.2. Logarithmic Functions and Their Graphs
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
4.5. Exponential and Logarithmic Models
Exponential Growth and Decay
Explore the graph of the exponential growth or decay function. Vary the initial amount and the rate of growth or decay and investigate the changes to the graph. 5 Minute Preview
Chapter 5: Trigonometric Functions
5.1. Angles and Their Measure
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
5.2. Right Triangle Trigonometry
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
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
5.3. Trigonometric Functions of Any Angle
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
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
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
5.4. Graphs of Sine and Cosine Functions
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
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
5.5. Graphs of Other Trigonometric Functions
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
Chapter 6: Analytic Trigonometry
6.2. Verifying Trigonometric Identities
Simplifying Trigonometric Expressions
Choose the correct steps to simplify a trigonometric function. Use step-by-step feedback to diagnose incorrect steps. 5 Minute Preview
6.4. Sum and Difference Formulas
Sum and Difference Identities for Sine and Cosine
Choose the correct steps to evaluate a trigonometric expression using sum and difference identities. Use step-by-step feedback to diagnose incorrect steps. 5 Minute Preview
Chapter 7: Additional Topics in Trigonometry
7.3. Vectors in the Plane
Adding Vectors
Move, rotate, and resize two vectors in a plane. Find their resultant, both graphically and by direct computation. 5 Minute Preview
7.4. Vectors and Dot Products
Vectors
Manipulate the magnitudes and directions of two vectors to generate a sum and learn vector addition. The x and y components can be displayed, along with the dot product of the two vectors. 5 Minute Preview
7.5. Trigonometric Form of a Complex Number
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
Chapter 8: Systems of Equations and Inequalities
8.1. Solving Systems of Equations
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
Solving Linear Systems (Slope-Intercept Form)
Solve systems of linear equations, given in slope-intercept form, both graphically and algebraically. Use a draggable green point to examine what it means for an
8.2. Systems of Linear Equations in Two Variables
Solving Linear Systems (Matrices and Special Solutions)
Explore systems of linear equations, and how many solutions a system can have. Express systems in matrix form. See how the determinant of the coefficient matrix reveals how many solutions a system of equations has. Also, use a draggable green point to see what it means for an (x, y) point to be a solution of an equation, or of a system of equations. 5 Minute Preview
8.4. Systems of Inequalities
Systems of Linear Inequalities (Slope-intercept form)
Compare a system of linear inequalities to its graph. Vary the coefficients and inequality symbols in the system and explore how the boundary lines, shaded regions, and the intersection of the shaded regions change in response. 5 Minute Preview
Systems of Linear Inequalities (Slope-intercept form)
Compare a system of linear inequalities to its graph. Vary the coefficients and inequality symbols in the system and explore how the boundary lines, shaded regions, and the intersection of the shaded regions change in response. 5 Minute Preview
8.5. Linear Programming
Linear Programming
Use the graph of the feasible region to find the maximum or minimum value of the objective function. Vary the coefficients of the objective function and vary the constraints. Explore how the graph of the feasible region changes in response. 5 Minute Preview
Chapter 9: Matrices and Determinants
9.1. Matrices and Systems of Equations
Solving Linear Systems (Matrices and Special Solutions)
Explore systems of linear equations, and how many solutions a system can have. Express systems in matrix form. See how the determinant of the coefficient matrix reveals how many solutions a system of equations has. Also, use a draggable green point to see what it means for an (x, y) point to be a solution of an equation, or of a system of equations. 5 Minute Preview
9.2. Operations with Matrices
Translations
Translate a figure horizontally and vertically in the plane and examine the matrix representation of the translation. 5 Minute Preview
Chapter 10: Sequences, Series, and Probability
10.1. Sequences and Series
Arithmetic and Geometric Sequences
Find the value of individual terms in an arithmetic or geometric sequence using graphs of the sequence and direct computation. Vary the common difference and common ratio and examine how the sequence changes in response. 5 Minute Preview
10.2. Arithmetic Sequences and Partial Sums
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
10.3. Geometric Sequences and Series
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
10.6. Counting Principles
Permutations and Combinations
Experiment with permutations and combinations of a number of letters represented by letter tiles selected at random from a box. Count the permutations and combinations using a dynamic tree diagram, a dynamic list of permutations, and a dynamic computation by the counting principle. 5 Minute Preview
Permutations and Combinations
Experiment with permutations and combinations of a number of letters represented by letter tiles selected at random from a box. Count the permutations and combinations using a dynamic tree diagram, a dynamic list of permutations, and a dynamic computation by the counting principle. 5 Minute Preview
10.7. Probability
Probability Simulations
Experiment with spinners and compare the experimental probability of particular outcomes to the theoretical probability. Select the number of spinners, the number of sections on a spinner, and a favorable outcome of a spin. Then tally the number of favorable outcomes. 5 Minute Preview
Geometric Probability
Randomly throw darts at a target and see what percent are "hits." Vary the size of the target and repeat the experiment. Study the relationship between the area of the target and the percent of darts that strike it 5 Minute Preview
Chapter 11: Topics in Analytic Geometry
11.1. Conics
Circles
Compare the graph of a circle with its equation. Vary the terms in the equation and explore how the circle is translated and scaled in response. 5 Minute Preview
Ellipses
Compare the equation of an ellipse to its graph. Vary the terms of the equation of the ellipse and examine how the graph changes in response. Drag the vertices and foci, explore their Pythagorean relationship, and discover the string property. 5 Minute Preview
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
Hyperbolas
Compare the equation of a hyperbola to its graph. Vary the terms of the equation of the hyperbola. Examine how the graph of the hyperbola and its asymptotes changes in response. 5 Minute Preview
11.2. Translations of Conics
Circles
Compare the graph of a circle with its equation. Vary the terms in the equation and explore how the circle is translated and scaled in response. 5 Minute Preview
Ellipses
Compare the equation of an ellipse to its graph. Vary the terms of the equation of the ellipse and examine how the graph changes in response. Drag the vertices and foci, explore their Pythagorean relationship, and discover the string property. 5 Minute Preview
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
Hyperbolas
Compare the equation of a hyperbola to its graph. Vary the terms of the equation of the hyperbola. Examine how the graph of the hyperbola and its asymptotes changes in response. 5 Minute Preview
11.4. Polar Coordinates
How Free Gizmos Work
Start teaching with 20-40 Free Gizmos. See the full list.
Access lesson materials for Free Gizmos including teacher guides, lesson plans, and more.
All other Gizmos are limited to a 5 Minute Preview and can only be used for 5 minutes a day.
Free Gizmos change each semester. The new collection will be available January 1 and July 1.
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.
Each STEM Case uses realtime reporting to show live student results.
Introduction to the Heatmap
STEM Cases take between 30-90 minutes for students to complete, depending on the case.
Student progress is automatically saved so that STEM Cases can be completed over multiple sessions.
Multiple grade-appropriate versions, or levels, exist for each STEM Case.
Each STEM Case level has an associated Handbook. These are interactive guides that focus on the science concepts underlying the case.
Find Your Solution
Start playing, exploring and learning today with a free account. Or contact us for a quote or demo.
Sign Up For Free Get a Quote