MA.8.AR.3.1

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Determine if a linear relationship is also a proportional relationship.

Clarifications

Clarification 1: Instruction focuses on the understanding that proportional relationships are linear relationships whose graph passes through the origin.

Clarification 2: Instruction includes the representation of relationships using tables, graphs, equations and written descriptions.

General Information
Subject Area: Mathematics (B.E.S.T.)
Grade: 8
Strand: Algebraic Reasoning
Standard: Extend understanding of proportional relationships to two-variable linear equations.
Date Adopted or Revised: 08/20
Status: State Board Approved

Benchmark Instructional Guide

Connecting Benchmarks/Horizontal Alignment

 

Terms from the K-12 Glossary

  • Constant of Proportionality
  • Proportional Relationship

 

Vertical Alignment

Previous Benchmarks

Next Benchmarks

 

Purpose and Instructional Strategies

In grade 7, students determined if two quantities are in a proportional relationship from a table and determined the constant of proportionality. In grade 8, students determine whether a given linear relationship is also a proportional relationship. In Algebra 1, students will use two-variable linear equations to represent mathematical or real-world contexts.
  • Instruction includes using a variety of variables to represent the slope, which is the same as the constant of proportionality when the linear relationship is also a proportional relationship. Students used p or k in grade 7 to represent the constant of proportionality and now in grade 8 may use m to represent slope. Students should understand that the slope or constant rate of change can be represented by any variable.
  • Instruction includes students graphing relationships and writing equations to determine if two linearly related quantities are also in a proportional. Students need to be provided examples to show evidence that not all linear relationships are proportional.
  • Students should connect unit rates, the constant of proportionality and slope in order to represent similar ideas in different contexts.

 

Common Misconceptions or Errors

  • Students may incorrectly state a relationship is not proportional if the origin is not visible in the graph or given in the table.
  • Students may incorrectly think all linear relationships are proportional. Some students find a constant rate of change and confuse this with a constant ratio. Help students understand that a constant ratio is only possible if the relationship passes through the origin.

 

Strategies to Support Tiered Instruction

  • Instruction includes providing opportunities to explore relationships represented on graphs and in tables that do not include the origin. Students should determine the rate of change in these situations and use ratio reasoning to determine if the relationships pass through the origin or not.
  • Instruction includes the use of geometric software to visually compare proportional and non-proportional graphs to model that all linear graphs are not proportional relationships.
  • Teacher co-creates a graphic organizer to represent the similarities and differences of the terms: unit rate, constant of proportionality, and slope. Specifically include the different contexts applicable to each.

 

Instructional Tasks

Instructional Task 1 (MTR.4.1, MTR.6.1, MTR.7.1)
A student is making trail mix for each serving size in the table given.
Table
  • Part A. Is this relationship linear? If so, state the constant rate of change.
  • Part B. Determine if this relationship is also proportional. 
  • Part C. What do you notice about the number of cups of nuts and fruit that would be in a serving size of zero? Discuss with a partner.

Instructional Task 2 (MTR.4.1)
Part A. Write the two-variable equation that represents each graph.
Part B. Which graph represents a proportional relationship? Justify your answer.
Graph

 

Instructional Items

Instructional Item 1
Alexia earns $14.75 an hour as a hostess at a local restaurant. She earns an additional $30 in tips each night from take-out orders. Determine if this linear relationship is proportional.

Instructional Item 2
The circumference of a circle is proportional to its diameter. This relationship can be expressed by the equation C = πd. Determine if this linear relationship is proportional.

 

*The strategies, tasks and items included in the B1G-M are examples and should not be considered comprehensive.

Related Courses

This benchmark is part of these courses.
1205050: M/J Accelerated Mathematics Grade 7 (Specifically in versions: 2014 - 2015, 2015 - 2020, 2020 - 2022, 2022 - 2024, 2024 and beyond (current))
1205070: M/J Grade 8 Pre-Algebra (Specifically in versions: 2014 - 2015, 2015 - 2022, 2022 - 2024, 2024 and beyond (current))
1204000: M/J Foundational Skills in Mathematics 6-8 (Specifically in versions: 2014 - 2015, 2015 - 2022, 2022 - 2024, 2024 and beyond (current))
7812030: Access M/J Grade 8 Pre-Algebra (Specifically in versions: 2014 - 2015, 2015 - 2018, 2018 - 2019, 2019 - 2022, 2022 and beyond (current))

Related Access Points

Alternate version of this benchmark for students with significant cognitive disabilities.
MA.8.AR.3.AP.1: Given a table, a graph, or equation, determine whether a linear relationship is proportional.

Related Resources

Vetted resources educators can use to teach the concepts and skills in this benchmark.

Lesson Plans

Where Should We Move? STEM Lesson Plan:

Students will collect data to identify planet composition, average temperature, and the distance of some planets within the Milky Way Galaxy from the Sun. Students will complete two-way tables to make comparisons. Students will then analyze and interpret their data. Students will make inferences and justify their reasoning.

Type: Lesson Plan

Beginning Linear Functions:

This lesson is designed to introduce students to the concept of slope. Students will be able to:

  • determine positive, negative, zero, and undefined slopes by looking at graphed functions.
  • determine x- and y-intercepts by substitution, or by examining graphs.
  • write equations in slope-intercept form and make graphs based on slope/y-intercept of linear functions.

Type: Lesson Plan

The Linear Function Connection:

The students will compare two linear functions that have been represented in different ways (equation, table, graph, verbal description). They will be able to find and compare the rate of change, or slope, of the function from any of the representations.

Type: Lesson Plan

Determining the density of regular and irregular objects:

This MEA provides students with opportunities to practice solving one-step equations while learning about density. Students will calculate density of regular and irregular objects.

Model Eliciting Activities, MEAs, are open-ended, interdisciplinary problem-solving activities that are meant to reveal students’ thinking about the concepts embedded in realistic situations. Click here to learn more about MEAs and how they can transform your classroom.

Type: Lesson Plan

How Much is My Cell Phone Plan?:

In this lesson, shopping for cell phone plans provides a motivating context where students will compare and interpret the properties of two functions represented in different ways. The lesson starts with students examining and discussing an input/output table to identify rate of change and y-intercept. Students will each be assigned a group. Groups will solve two different problems involving cell phone plans. They must determine the rate of change, y-intercept, and the total cost after two years. Students will receive homework and have a summative assessment the next day.

Type: Lesson Plan

Perspectives Video: Teaching Idea

Solving Quadratic Equations by Completing the Square:

Unlock an effective teaching strategy for teaching solving quadratic equations by completing the square in this Teacher Perspectives video for educators.

Type: Perspectives Video: Teaching Idea

Problem-Solving Tasks

Sore Throats, Variation 2:

Students graph proportional relationships and understand the unit rate as a measure of the steepness of the related line, called the slope. Students will also treat slopes more formally when they graph proportional relationships and interpret the unit rate as the slope of the graph.

Type: Problem-Solving Task

Who Has the Best Job?:

This task asks the student to graph and compare two proportional relationships and interpret the unit rate as the slope of the graph. Students are also asked to write an equation and graph each scenario.

Type: Problem-Solving Task

Comparing Speeds in Graphs and Equations:

This task provides the opportunity for students to reason about graphs, slopes, and rates without having a scale on the axes or an equation to represent the graphs. Students who prefer to work with specific numbers can write in scales on the axes to help them get started.

Type: Problem-Solving Task

Peaches and Plums:

This task asks students to reason about the relative costs per pound of two fruits without actually knowing what the costs are. Students who find this difficult may add a scale to the graph and reason about the meanings of the ordered pairs. Comparing the two approaches in a class discussion can be a profitable way to help students make sense of slope.

Type: Problem-Solving Task

STEM Lessons - Model Eliciting Activity

Determining the density of regular and irregular objects:

This MEA provides students with opportunities to practice solving one-step equations while learning about density. Students will calculate density of regular and irregular objects.

Model Eliciting Activities, MEAs, are open-ended, interdisciplinary problem-solving activities that are meant to reveal students’ thinking about the concepts embedded in realistic situations. Click here to learn more about MEAs and how they can transform your classroom.

Student Resources

Vetted resources students can use to learn the concepts and skills in this benchmark.

Problem-Solving Tasks

Who Has the Best Job?:

This task asks the student to graph and compare two proportional relationships and interpret the unit rate as the slope of the graph. Students are also asked to write an equation and graph each scenario.

Type: Problem-Solving Task

Comparing Speeds in Graphs and Equations:

This task provides the opportunity for students to reason about graphs, slopes, and rates without having a scale on the axes or an equation to represent the graphs. Students who prefer to work with specific numbers can write in scales on the axes to help them get started.

Type: Problem-Solving Task

Peaches and Plums:

This task asks students to reason about the relative costs per pound of two fruits without actually knowing what the costs are. Students who find this difficult may add a scale to the graph and reason about the meanings of the ordered pairs. Comparing the two approaches in a class discussion can be a profitable way to help students make sense of slope.

Type: Problem-Solving Task

Parent Resources

Vetted resources caregivers can use to help students learn the concepts and skills in this benchmark.

Problem-Solving Tasks

Sore Throats, Variation 2:

Students graph proportional relationships and understand the unit rate as a measure of the steepness of the related line, called the slope. Students will also treat slopes more formally when they graph proportional relationships and interpret the unit rate as the slope of the graph.

Type: Problem-Solving Task

Who Has the Best Job?:

This task asks the student to graph and compare two proportional relationships and interpret the unit rate as the slope of the graph. Students are also asked to write an equation and graph each scenario.

Type: Problem-Solving Task

Comparing Speeds in Graphs and Equations:

This task provides the opportunity for students to reason about graphs, slopes, and rates without having a scale on the axes or an equation to represent the graphs. Students who prefer to work with specific numbers can write in scales on the axes to help them get started.

Type: Problem-Solving Task

Peaches and Plums:

This task asks students to reason about the relative costs per pound of two fruits without actually knowing what the costs are. Students who find this difficult may add a scale to the graph and reason about the meanings of the ordered pairs. Comparing the two approaches in a class discussion can be a profitable way to help students make sense of slope.

Type: Problem-Solving Task