Describe the configuration or pattern of the points that produced the largest value of r you could find. What is this value of r?
Describe the configuration or pattern of the points that produced the smallest value of r you could find. What is this value of r?
What is the value of r when the points are arranged in a circle? Try changing the radius of the circle on which your points are arranged. Does that change the value of r? What information do you think r is conveying?
What is the value of r when the points are arranged in the shape of the letter "V"? Try changing the width of the "V" on which your points are arranged. Does that change the value of r? What information do you think r is conveying now? Have your changed your mind about what information r is conveying?
What is the value of r when the points are arranged in a horizontal line? What information do you think r is conveying now? Have your changed your mind about what information r is conveying?
What is the value of r when the points are arranged in the shape of the letter "U"? Try changing the width of the "U" on which your points are arranged. Does that change the value of r? How does this compare to the letter "V" from above? What information do you think r is conveying now? Have your changed your mind about what information r is conveying?
What is the value of r when the points are arranged in the shape of a square? Does changing the size of the square change the value of r? What information do you think r is conveying now? Have your changed your mind about what information r is conveying?
What information is conveyed by the value of r? What do all the patterns in the bottom row have a value of r equal to zero?
What is YOUR definition of r after completing this classroom activity?