The Power of Templates

 Pre-Algebra  |   Algebra I and II  | Finances  | Calculus  | Inequalities  | 
Number Theory  | Linear Algebra | Trigonometry | Statistics and Probability  | Parametric Equations

With a little care, we can prepare templates that allow the user to experiment and learn from that experimentation, without having them spend a lot of time building the structure for those experiments. Parameters can be controlled via Named Cells, so that when the cell content changes, the accompanying data and graph change immediately in response. In this way, you can ask the user to play with a parameter and investigate the impact of that parameter on the total picture. The focus when we do this is on the math and not on Excel, so this unlocks the power of Excel without encumbering the user with excessively involved processes that will divert their attention from your content.

 

Templates available

 Pre-Algebra  |   Algebra I and II  | Finances  | Calculus  | Inequalities  | 
Number Theory  | Linear Algebra | Trigonometry | Statistics and Probability  | Parametric Equations

Equivalent Fractions
Associative Commutative and Distributive law
Law with positive and negative components
Definition
In this template, I use the Greek method of Disseciton for a graphic look at the  Binomial expansion and the FOIL method. Products are depicted as areas of rectangles.
This one shows the calculation for applying the FOIL method and verifies that FOIL works
By calculational tempalte I mean that it shows the steps to verify the mehod, rather than simply giving the "answer"
The difference of squares calculationally - NOT answers alone

 

Pre-Algebra  |   Algebra I and II  | Finances  | Calculus  | Inequalities  | 
Number Theory  | Linear Algebra | Trigonometry | Statistics and Probability  | Parametric Equations

 

Graphing and Solving Inequalities on the number line
Explore the Trichotomy property, which is the basis for graphing inequalities. A point divides the line into three parts which correspond to an equality and two inequalities.
In this interactive template, you can explore Line Graphs of the absolute Value inequalities |x| > a for values of a between -5 and 5.
This one explores the absolute value inequality
| x - a | < b
In this template, you enter the two values of x that you want to look at, then think about the graph that results. This provides Line Graphs for investigating the sign of
(x - a)(x - b) for example.
In this template, you alter the two values of x that you want to look at by using sliders, then think about the graph that results. This provides Line Graphs for (x - a)(x - b) > 0 for example.
Investigate (x - a)(x - b) (x - c) signs

Graphing In A Two-Dimensional Rectangular Coordinate System
In this template, play with the coordinates of the point. This template will point out the quadrants and move the points interactively with sliders.
In this one, you enter two points. The line will be graphed. The template will also report the slope and the y-intercept, and it will report the equation of  the line in slope-intercept form and in standard form.
In this template, you play with TWO points. Observe changes in the graph AND the slope of the line connecting the two points. Study the formula that defines the slope. What is important about that formula?
Input two points and it will graph the line.It will report the slope, the intercept, the slope-intercept form the equation and the standard form of the equation
Pin a point as fixed, slide a second point, anmd explore slope using the two points
In this template, play with the coefficient of x (slope) and the constant term and view the results immediately.
This one builds on the previous one, but adds the feature that the student can type a third point. The template will tell the student if it is on the line. This is a test of whether the student can interpret the equation(s) properly.
Play with coefficients in two linear equations and view the results immediately.
Explore whether lines are parallel or perpendicular
Combining equations using constants does not alter the solution of the simultaneous linear system
Beginning Quadratics - Multiplying and Factoring Binomials
The basic method for multiplying binomials
This one allows the constants to be negative
Perfect Squares
Sum and Difference of a given quantity

Quadratic Functions
Explore with only one parameter - the coefficient of x2
Control two parabolas - holding y = x2 fixed for comparison. Version 1.0 - Claude Moore and Rod Rodrigues, Authors.

Version 2.0 - Claude Moore, Author.
In this template, the coefficients are entered as parameters that control the graph and the table. The user can set the beginning x-value and the increment controlling successive values of the independent variable.
This one is from Rosemary Hirschfelder and has some neat features. Click on the Graph tab for sliders controlling the graphs. The complete current formula is displayed.
Explore the Parabola using the vertex form
y = a(x - h)^2 + k
Simply add another column and include it in the graph
Explore any fixed parabola intersecting with a horizontal line - set both interactively
Square Roots and Radicals
Definition and graph(s) of the Square Roots and the Radical
Radical of x, squared
This template allows you to type in the coefficients a, b, and c. It shows you the details in calculating the roots using the quadratic formula
Other Functions
Multi-Sheet: Definition of absolute Value, Graph of simple absolute value, Interactive Graphs of multiples and translations.
Study Motion of an object shot straight up, assuming initial height and velocity.
Select from General Form or Factored Form.
Definition of e as the limit - watch curve converge as you change the values
Interactively change parameters A and k and compare to exp(x)
Interactively change A and k and compare to ln(x)
The exponential function studies. exp(ax) and exp(-ax). On second sheet, look at inverses defined by reversing the roles of the columns in the exponential.

  Pre-Algebra  |    Algebra I and II  | Finances  | Calculus  | Inequalities  | 
Number Theory  | Linear Algebra | Trigonometry | Statisticsand Probability  | Parametric Equations

 
Basic Datasheet View for Compound Interest
This one includes formula-based cells for comparison
Datasheet View of Annuity
Payment schedule
Study Linear Depreciation with Salvage Value
Play with Double Declining Method of Depreciation. The rate of decrease goes down, with steepest decline at the beginning

Pre-Algebra  |  Algebra I and II  | Finances  | Calculus  | Inequalities  | 
Number Theory  | Linear Algebra | Trigonometry | Statistics and Probability  | Parametric Equations

 
Explore Limits of a quadratic function as h approaches zero - numerically

 Pre-Algebra  |  Algebra I and II  | Finances  | Calculus  | Inequalities  | 
Number Theory  | Linear Algebra | Trigonometry | Statistics and Probability | Parametric Equations

 
Interactive template to explore inequalities. In this template, you control the test point using sliders. You manually enter the function
In this template, the line is expressed in slope-intercept form.
This Template allows you to explore inequalities with quadratics in two variables.
Another Template exploring the concept of inequality as applied to quadratics.

  Pre-Algebra  |  Algebra I and II  | Finances  | Calculus  | Inequalities  | 
Number Theory  | Linear Algebra | Trigonometry | Statistics and Probability | Parametric Equations

 
Convert from base A to base B - continued division displayed and expanded numeral displayed
Convert decimal from base 10 to base A - continued mujltiplication
Implicitly you also find the LCM when you find the GCD. This template will report both.

Pre-Algebra  |  Algebra I and II  | Finances  | Calculus  | Inequalities  | 
Number Theory  | Linear Algebra | Trigonometry | Statistics and Probability | Parametric Equations

 
This template shows the details of evaluating a 3 by 3 determinant and verifies the result using the MDeterm function in Excel
Play with the coefficients and study the intersection of the lines. This template uses the MDeterm function to computer determinant, so this is a helper for studying Cramer's Rule
This template uses Elementary Matrices to perform the row operations.
Explore dependent relations among equations
View result of multiplying by Rotation Matrix

 Pre-Algebra  |  Algebra I and II  | Finances  | Calculus  | Inequalities  | 
Number Theory  | Linear Algebra | Trigonometry | Statistics and Probability | Parametric Equations

 
The unit circle wrapping function
Relations between sine and cosine added to the unit circle.
Explore periodicity - curve fixed, move the view window
Change Amplitude, Period, and Phase Shift interactively
The equation sin(x) = k
Change Angle of Incidence, Initial Velocity, and Initial Height

Pre-Algebra  |   Algebra I and II  | Finances  | Calculus  | Inequalities  | 
Number Theory  | Linear Algebra | Trigonometry | Statistics and Probability | Parametric Equations

 
 
Finding a percentile with Grouped Data
Template by Gisela Ahlbrandt
Template by Gisela Ahlbrandt
Simulate tossing Dice
 
 
 
2 X 2 abnd 3 X 3
   

 Pre-Algebra  |  Algebra I and II  | Finances  | Calculus  | Inequalities  | 
Number Theory  | Linear Algebra | Trigonometry | Statistics and Probability | Parametric Equations

 
Interactive Lisajou curves
The Cardioid, with Trace point
r = a + bcos(ct). Interactively change a, b, c for a really nice ride.
r = at
Derived from the Cardioid
   

 Pre-Algebra  |  Algebra I and II  | Finances  | Calculus  | Inequalities  | 
Number Theory  | Linear Algebra | Trigonometry | Statistics and Probability | Parametric Equations