Level

Activity Time

Device

Software

TI-Nspire Version

Activity Overview

Students first solve linear absolute value equations in a single variable using the definition of absolute value to write and solve two equations. They then explore the handheld's functionalities for solving and checking such equations. Students view graphs of absolute value inequalities, compare them to those of compound inequalities, and practice writing absolute value inequalities as compound inequalities. They solve absolute value inequalities and check their solutions by graphing them.

Key Steps

When you are satisfied that students understand each inequality graph, discuss the meaning of absolute value as a distance. Have students draw a vertical line at x = 1 (Select MENU > Construction > Perpendicular and click twice on the number line where x = 1.) All of the points on the upper graph are less than 3 units away from the vertical line. All of the points on the lower graph are more than 3 units away from the line.