Choosing Mathematical Tools - Pre Algebra
- Which display best shows how one quantity changes over time: a line graph or a circle graph?
- A line graph. A circle graph shows parts of a whole, not change over time.
- Which tool is used to measure the size of an angle in degrees?
- A protractor.
- Which display shows the median and spread of a data set: a box plot or a circle graph?
- A box plot. It marks the minimum, quartiles, median and maximum.
- Which display best shows how a whole is divided into parts: a circle graph or a line graph?
- A circle graph. Each sector shows one part's share of the whole.
- Which tool best shows the solution set of : a number line or a circle graph?
- A number line, with an open circle at 3 and shading to the right.
- Why should you estimate before using a calculator?
- An estimate catches entry errors: a calculator result far from the estimate means a key was likely pressed wrong.
- Which tool is used to draw a circle with a given radius?
- A compass. Its opening is set to the radius.
- When exact solutions with shown work are required, which fits better: solving algebraically or reading values from a graph?
- Solving algebraically. Values read from a graph are often only approximate.
- Which display best shows whether two numerical variables have a linear relationship: a scatter plot or a frequency table?
- A scatter plot. It shows each pair of values as a point, so a straight-line trend is visible.
- Why is a table of values useful when exploring a function rule?
- It lists input and output pairs side by side, so patterns such as a constant rate of change are easy to see.