Graphing Step Functions with Desmos Guided Notes
A guided-notes packet with a printable practice worksheet that walks 9th graders through graphing the greatest integer function and piecewise functions in Desmos. It builds fluency with floor(x) syntax, interpreting solid and hollow endpoints, and connecting step-function graphs to real-world contexts like parking meters, with key terms and worked examples included.
“Create a lesson that teaches students how to graph the Greatest Integer function and a Piecewise function on the Desmos graphing calculator, with a printable worksheet of guided practice problems”
Teacher Guide & Tips
- Use as a 50-minute lesson in a computer lab or with classroom devices, starting with the key terms and the parking meter example before students open Desmos.
- Discussion question: Why does the value of floor(x) stay constant between integers, and what changes exactly at each integer?
- Scaffold for struggling readers: have students first sketch the graph by hand on the worksheet for x values from 0 to 4, then check their sketch against the Desmos output.
- Extension for advanced students: ask them to write a piecewise function whose graph matches a given step pattern, then verify it in Desmos and explain how the open and closed endpoints were chosen.
- Estimated time: about 15 minutes for the notes and examples, 25 minutes for the Desmos practice, and 10 minutes for the worksheet problems.
What is Diffit?
Teachers use Diffit to get quality materials for their unique classrooms. Adjust difficulty, add scaffolds, or change the topic to get started.
Try Diffit for free“Create a lesson that teaches students how to graph the Greatest Integer function and a Piecewise function on the Desmos graphing calculator, with a printable worksheet of guided practice problems”
Teacher Guide & Tips
- Use as a 50-minute lesson in a computer lab or with classroom devices, starting with the key terms and the parking meter example before students open Desmos.
- Discussion question: Why does the value of floor(x) stay constant between integers, and what changes exactly at each integer?
- Scaffold for struggling readers: have students first sketch the graph by hand on the worksheet for x values from 0 to 4, then check their sketch against the Desmos output.
- Extension for advanced students: ask them to write a piecewise function whose graph matches a given step pattern, then verify it in Desmos and explain how the open and closed endpoints were chosen.
- Estimated time: about 15 minutes for the notes and examples, 25 minutes for the Desmos practice, and 10 minutes for the worksheet problems.
Graphing Step Functions with Desmos Guided Notes
A guided-notes packet with a printable practice worksheet that walks 9th graders through graphing the greatest integer function and piecewise functions in Desmos. It builds fluency with floor(x) syntax, interpreting solid and hollow endpoints, and connecting step-function graphs to real-world contexts like parking meters, with key terms and worked examples included.
What is Diffit?
Teachers use Diffit to get quality materials for their unique classrooms. Adjust difficulty, add scaffolds, or change the topic to get started.
Try Diffit for free