Predator-Prey Cycles | Zombies and Calculus

Learning Resource Type

Classroom Resource

Subject Area

Mathematics

Grade(s)

8, 9, 10, 11, 12

Overview

Learn about the math behind predator-prey population cycles in this video from NOVA Digital. In this example, zombie and human populations fluctuate. The zombie population increases as zombies convert humans into zombies. However, without enough humans to eat, zombies die and the population shrinks. The human population increases as humans reproduce but decreases as zombies eat humans. The populations of humans and zombies change through time according to a pair of differential equations. Because human and zombie populations are related, the growth rate of each population depends on the current numbers of both humans and zombies.

Mathematics (2019) Grade(s): 8 - Grade 8 Accelerated

MA19.8A.30

For a function that models a relationship between two quantities, interpret key features of graphs and tables in terms of the quantities, and sketch graphs showing key features given a verbal description of the relationship.

Note: Key features include: intercepts; intervals where the function is increasing, decreasing, positive, or negative; maximums and minimums; symmetries; and end behavior. Extend from relationships that can be represented by linear functions to quadratic, exponential, absolute value, and general piecewise functions. [Algebra I with Probability, 28]

UP:MA19.8A.30

Vocabulary

  • Function
  • Intercepts
  • Intervals of Increasing
  • Intervals of decreasing
  • Function is positive
  • Function is negative
  • Relative Maximum
  • Relative Minimum
  • Axis symmetry
  • Origin symmetry
  • End behavior

Knowledge

Students know:
  • Key features of function graphs (i.e., intercepts. intervals where the function is increasing, decreasing, positive, or negative. relative maximums and minimums. symmetries. and end behavior).
  • Methods of modeling relationships with a graph or table.

Skills

Students are able to:
  • Accurately graph any relationship.
  • Interpret key features of a graph.

Understanding

Students understand that:
  • The relationship between two variables determines the key features that need to be used when interpreting and producing the graph.
Mathematics (2019) Grade(s): 09-12 - Algebra I with Probability

MA19.A1.28

For a function that models a relationship between two quantities, interpret key features of graphs and tables in terms of the quantities, and sketch graphs showing key features given a verbal description of the relationship. Note: Key features include: intercepts; intervals where the function is increasing, decreasing, positive, or negative; maximums and minimums; symmetries; and end behavior. Extend from relationships that can be represented by linear functions to quadratic, exponential, absolute value, and linear piecewise functions.

UP:MA19.A1.28

Vocabulary

  • Function
  • Periodicity
  • x-intercepts
  • y-intercepts
  • Intervals of Increasing
  • Intervals of decreasing
  • Function is positive
  • Function is negative
  • Relative Maximum
  • Relative Minimum
  • y-axis symmetry
  • Origin symmetry
  • End behavior

Knowledge

Students know:
  • Key features of function graphs (i.e., intercepts. intervals where the function is increasing, decreasing, positive, or negative. relative maximums and minimums. symmetries. end behavior. and periodicity).
  • Methods of modeling relationships with a graph or table.

Skills

Students are able to:
  • Accurately graph any relationship.
  • Interpret key features of a graph.

Understanding

Students understand that:
  • The relationship between two variables determines the key features that need to be used when interpreting and producing the graph.
Mathematics (2019) Grade(s): 09-12 - Algebra II with Statistics

MA19.A2.17

For a function that models a relationship between two quantities, interpret key features of graphs and tables in terms of the quantities, and sketch graphs showing key features given a verbal description of the relationship. Note: Key features include intercepts; intervals where the function is increasing, decreasing, positive, or negative; maximums and minimums; symmetries (including even and odd); end behavior; and periodicity. Extend to polynomial, trigonometric (sine and cosine), logarithmic, reciprocal, radical, and general piecewise functions.

UP:MA19.A2.17

Vocabulary

  • Polynomial function
  • Piecewise function
  • Logarithmic function
  • Trigonometric (sine and cosine) function
  • Reciprocal function
  • Radical function
  • Period
  • Midline
  • Amplitude
  • End Behavior
  • Intervals
  • Maximum
  • Minimum
  • Symmetry
  • Even and Odd
  • Intercepts
  • Intervals

Knowledge

Students know:

  • Techniques for graphing.
  • Key features of graphs of functions.

Skills

Students are able to:

  • Identify the type of function from the symbolic representation.
  • Manipulate expressions to reveal important features for identification in the function.
  • Accurately graph any relationship.
  • Determine when a function is even or odd.

Understanding

Students understand that:

  • Key features are different depending on the function.
  • Identifying key features of functions aid in graphing and interpreting the function.
  • Even and odd functions may be identified from a graph or algebraic form of a function.

Body

  1. For a function that models a relationship between two quantities, interpret key features of graphs and tables in terms of the quantities, and sketch graphs showing key features given a verbal description of the relationship. Note: Key features include intercepts; intervals where the function is increasing, decreasing, positive, or negative; maximums and minimums; symmetries (including even and odd); end behavior; and periodicity. Extend to polynomial, trigonometric (sine and cosine), logarithmic, reciprocal, radical, and general piecewise functions.

CR Resource Type

Audio/Video

Resource Provider

PBS

License Type

Custom

Accessibility

Video resources: includes closed captioning or subtitles
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