Mathematics 536

Mathematical Reflections 536: Reflection 2

Introduction
This document is a tool designed to help give teachers a clear description of what
should be covered in Reflection 2 of the Reflections 536 textbook. The textbook offers
more material than can be covered in most regular classes. However, this summary
should be seen as a guide only; the amount of time available as well as the students'
interests and capabilities will determine the material which is covered. Further
information about the material is found in the Teacher's Guide.

Objectives Covered in Reflection 2

This reflection covers Terminal Objective 1.2: To solve problems using systems of
inequalities. Students will be able to represent a situation by a system of inequalities
of the first degree in two variables, find the feasible set and use it to solve the problem
(find the optimum solution(s)).
It is important to refer to the MEQ Curriculum document for more details on the
objectives of the program (pp. 16 - 17).
Time 7% of the year.

Comments
1. Prior Knowledge: Note that the students’ first introduction to inequalities (other
than ordering numbers) occurred in Reflection 1 of Reflections 536 when they
learned to solve various types of algebraic inequalities in one variable. Also, at
previous levels, students have transformed from one mode of representation of a
situation to another. In Math 436, students learned to represent a situation using
a system of linear equations and to solve the resulting system using a table of
values, a graph or an algebraic method (comparison, substitution or elimination).
2. Note that students often experience difficulty translating phrases such as “at
least as great as” with the appropriate inequality symbols (<, >, ≤, ≥). They
should learn to check their inequalities for accuracy using numerical values.
3. Problems that involve multiple optimum solutions as well as those with discrete
solutions should be covered.

4. Using a graphing calculator can enhance students’ understanding of this topic.

5. Note:
As the students taking Math 536 generally constitute the top 35 - 40% of the
school’s population, they should be expected to work more autonomously on
assignments in order to cover the course content. Optional topics could be
assigned for independent study.

This document has been prepared by Carolyn Gould, Resource Person for MAPCO.
It is available on the MAPCO website: http://www.qesn.meq.gouv.qc.ca/mapco/
 Mathematics 536

Mathematical Reflections 536: Reflection 2

Topic Time Priority 1 Optional Omit

Class Homework
1. Systems of 3% √ Representing Investment 1: 7
First Degree Inequalities Think Tank p. 169
Inequalities Investment 1: 1-6 Investment 2: 8,
(pp. 166 - 199) Graphing 10, 11
Investment 2: 1-7, Think Tank p. 177
9 Investment 3: 7,
Systems of 10
Equations Think Tank p. 185
Systems of Investment 4: 4,
Inequalities* 5b, c, 9
Investment 3**: 1- Think Tank p. 190
6, 8-9 Workout 2: 1-9, 15-
Polygon of 24, 28
Constraints
Investment 4: 1-3,
5a, 6-8
Workout 2***: 10-
14, 25-27, 29-31
Pop Quiz 2: p. 199
2. Target 1% √ Optimum Solutions Investment 5: 6,
Objectives Function Rule 10
(pp. 200 - 209) Investment 5: 1-5,
7-9
Think Tank p. 209
(except a #6)
3. Decision- 3% √ Scanning Line Investment 6: 6, 7,
Making Investment 6: 1-5, 9
(pp. 210 - 240) 8 Think Tank p. 217:
Think Tank p. 217: b
a Investment 7: 5, 6,
Optimization 8
Problems Think Tank p. 225
Investment 7: 1-4, Workout 3: 9-11,
7, 9 15, 16, 19, 21-23,
Workout 3***: 1-8, 27, 29, 30, 32, 33
12-14, 17, 18, 20,
24-26, 28, 31
Pop Quiz: p. 236
* Note that there is a translation error in the second sentence in the first paragraph. The
sentence should read “To play this suite at a concert, the conductor must select fewer than 30
musicians...”
** Question 2 should read “Solve the following systems of equations ...”
*** Time constraints will probably limit the number of questions which can be chosen from this
workout. Select questions as needed to ensure the students’ understanding.
This document has been prepared by Carolyn Gould, Resource Person for MAPCO.
It is available on the MAPCO website: http://www.qesn.meq.gouv.qc.ca/mapco/