Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: 10 Date: 17/01/2026
Subject: Mathematics
Lesson Topic: Graphs of functions: linear, quadratic, cubic, reciprocal, exponential
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe the general form and key characteristics of linear, quadratic, cubic, reciprocal, and exponential functions.
  • Explain how transformations (shifts, stretches, reflections) affect the graph of each function family.
  • Apply graphing techniques to sketch each function type and identify intercepts, asymptotes, vertices, and end behaviour.
  • Solve classroom practice problems by interpreting graphs and using algebraic manipulation.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector or interactive whiteboard
  • Graph paper and rulers
  • Scientific calculators
  • Worksheet with function families and practice questions
  • Prepared graph sketches for each function type
 Introduction:
Begin with a quick visual poll: show five different graphs and ask students to name the type. Recall previous work on linear and quadratic graphs and the vocabulary of intercepts, vertex and asymptote. Today they will extend that knowledge to cubic, reciprocal and exponential families and be able to predict how a transformation changes a graph.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5’) – Students complete a short matching activity linking equations to graph shapes on the board.
  2. Mini‑lecture (15’) – Review each function family, focusing on general equation, domain/range and typical transformations; use projector to illustrate.
  3. Guided practice (20’) – Teacher models sketching a reciprocal and an exponential graph, highlighting asymptotes and shifts; students follow on graph paper.
  4. Collaborative activity (15’) – In pairs, learners choose a function, apply a given transformation, and produce a neat sketch to display.
  5. Check for understanding (10’) – Quick quiz using clickers or show of hands on key features (e.g., “What is the horizontal asymptote of y=3/(x‑2)+4?”).
  6. Exit ticket (5’) – Write one example of how a transformation changes the graph of a cubic function.
Conclusion:
Summarise how each family’s graph is identified by its algebraic form and the effect of common transformations. Students complete an exit ticket summarising one new insight and receive a homework sheet of additional sketching problems. Reminder: practice the worksheet at home to reinforce the concepts.