Parallel Lines

Why do this problem?

This resource allows students to explore the connection between a straight line on a graph and the equation that represents or defines it - equations of the form $y = mx + c$. Students are encouraged to conjecture and test their conjectures.

Possible approach

This problem could be used after How Steep is the Slope?

It is useful if students have also done some preliminary work plotting straight line graphs.

Working with the whole group demonstrate the interactivity, moving both points to allow the group to see the freedom the line has. Draw attention to the equation of the line showing beneath the graph.

Take time to discuss how an equation represents a line by defining the set of points that lie along it. Select points on the line to demonstrate how the coordinates of the point satisfy the equation. Ask questions to challenge this understanding, like: find the equation of a line that goes through (2,3); find the equation of a steeper line; find the equation of a line that slopes down instead of up.

The second interactivity allows the equations of two independent lines to be compared. Working in pairs at computers ask students to propose equations of parallel lines and use the interactivity to check their suggestions.

Encourage students to refine their earlier conjectures. Ask them to phrase what they have learned about equations of straight lines in exactly 25 words.

When students feel they understand this completely, suggest they play Diamond Collector in pairs or against the computer. Allow them to close the game and go back to the parallel lines interactivity if they find they need to learn a bit more to help them play the game better.

Key questions

What are the connections between the properties of a line and its equation?

Possible extension