The Algebra Teacher\'s Guide to Reteaching Essential Concepts and Skills

(Marvins-Underground-K-12) #1

Teaching Notes 4.5: Completing T-Tables


The values in a t-table can be used to graph ordered pairs that can then be used to graph the
equation of a line. Students often make mistakes substituting the value for the wrong variable in
t-tables or they make mistakes solving the equation.


  1. Explain that a t-table resembles a lowercasetand is sometimes used to organize ordered
    pairs. Note that the values forxare placed in the first column and the values foryare placed
    in the second column. This is similar to ordered pairs wherexprecedesy.

  2. Explain that once students have substituted the correct value for the given variable, com-
    pleting a t-table is similar to solving an equation.

  3. Review the information and example on the worksheet. Note that students are asked to find
    the value ofywhenxis−1 and to find the value ofxwhenyis−2. Point out the completed
    t-table that pairs−1with−11 and 2 with−2.


EXTRA HELP:
You can check the values on your t-table by substituting the values forxandyinto the equation.
If the equation is true, you know that your values are correct.

ANSWER KEY:
(1) 4 (2) 8 (3) 5 (4) 5 (5) 3 (6)− 1 (7) 2 (8)− 2 (9) 6
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Challenge)The numbers are placed in the wrong columns. The values in the first column are
they-values, and the values in the second column are thex-values.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

146 THE ALGEBRA TEACHER’S GUIDE

Free download pdf