End Behavior of Polynomial Functions: Sorting Activities
These two sorting activities will help your students practice identifying end behaviors for polynomial functions. They will classify each function according to its end behavior using cards with a mix of equations, explanations, and graphs.
The first activity has a set of 20 cards that are a mix of equations and explanations. These go with the first set of sorting pockets that have arrows representing the ends of function.
The second set has 20 cards that are a mix of graphs and explanations. These go with the second set of pockets that sort by Odd/Even and Positive/Negative leading coefficient.
Students will fold up the sorting pockets and then place the cards into the correct pocket. After students have completed the activity, hand out the answer cards. Students can keep these in the back of each pocket to review later. The activities can be re-done and checked as a study guide at any time.
Sorting "mat" sheets are included as an alternative to the pockets. If you prefer this option, you can have students lay the cards out on the mat according to their category. You can even laminate the cards and mats as a re-usable learning station activity.
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Reviews from other teachers:
- I used this with my Algebra 1 8th graders. I started the discussion with a quick demo of polynomial functions using Desmos, then had the students make observations about even/odd exponents and positive/negative coefficients. They picked up on it quickly and enjoyed doing this card sort for practice. I love that it came with individual answer keys for them to keep with them so they could practice at home/independently.
- Even though my students are juniors and seniors who think they are too old for 'activities' in class, they thoroughly enjoyed this hands on approach to practing rules for end behavior.
- I used this for the first time today. Love this resource!!!! Here's why: 1) Excellent Student Engagement. 2) Multiple ways to use the activity were described AND I was able to use it in yet another way. 3) There are two different sets of cards. My students completed one after having the introduction lesson. I plan to use the other as a review activity later in this unit. 4) This is truly a "turn key" activity. Gotta love that!
- The variety of activities provided was great to give students multiple kinds of practice
- This activity was GREAT!! I used it with my College Prep math students and it let to some amazing partner discussions about the function characteristics. I told my entire department about this activity
- This was great! I used it as a formative assessment in my Algebra II class. The students worked in pairs. If their first sort was not correct, I had them re-sort until they all got it. The students enjoyed the activity and said that it was a fun way to learn.
- Absolutely love this! Having two versions allowed extra practice for my students, and it really made them think.
- Great amount of rigor and engagement.
- This was a great activity that I was able to use for my Algebra II and PreCalc classes. Got their brains thinking!
- I left this (without the infinities) with a substitute and the kids did a great job. I also used the cards the next day when talking about # of turning points and multiplicity. Thanks!
- My students loved this activity. Discussing the correct solutions as a class, was a great opportunity to correct any misconceptions.
- Great activity for students to practice and then to go back and review! Thank you!
- This really helped my students understand end behavior concept. Even the headmaster was impressed with this activity.