Mathematics / Year 9 / Measurement and Geometry / Geometric reasoning

Curriculum content descriptions

Solve problems using ratio and scale factors in similar figures (ACMMG221)

Elaborations
  • establishing the relationship between areas of similar figures and the ratio of corresponding sides (scale factor)
General capabilities
  • Literacy Literacy
  • Numeracy Numeracy
  • Critical and creative thinking Critical and creative thinking
ScOT terms

Ratios,  Scale (Proportions),  Similarity (Geometry)

Video

MathXplosion, Ep 50: How to use a tetrahedron to solve the tree problem

How can you place four trees exactly the same distance apart from one other? By making a model! By using miniature trees to make a model of the problem, it becomes clear that a 2D solution is impossible. We learn how objects can help us visualise the problem situation, which in this case requires a 3D solution: a tetrahedron.

Video

Modelling climate changes

There is a saying: 'climate is what you expect and weather is what you get'. |Understanding climate change is very difficult for most people, especially when the weather we experience is different from the information we are given by scientists about the climate changing. The difference is that weather reflects short-term ...

Online

reSolve: Tree Biomass

In this sequence of two lessons, students investigate how many trees would be required to supply paper for their school for a year. Students use similar triangles, Pythagoras' Theorem and algebra to design and construct a Biltmore stick, used to measure the diameter and height of a tree. They measure trees, calculate their ...

Online

reSolve: Pythagoras' Theorem - Phone finding

This lesson challenges students to apply Pythagoras' Theorem to explore a practical real-world problem. Students explore technology reliant on mathematical concepts. The lesson is outlined in detail including curriculum links, vocabulary, materials needed, sample answers, discussion points and student resources such as ...

Downloadable

The cost of cars

This lesson is designed for students to learn about car ownership in Australia and the real costs of buying and running a car. Students explore car ownership statistics in Australia, investigate the range of decisions people make about transport, calculate and compare costs of transport and make decisions on additional ...

Downloadable

Introduction to trigonometry

These lesson plans guide the teacher on how to introduce trigonometry to students through an investigation of similar triangles.

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A Little Atmosphere

This activity invites students to model the scaled thickness of the atmosphere on a globe using sheets of transparency material. The activity includes a list of tools and materials required, what to do and notice, an explanation for the underlying science of what students observe and suggestions for further activities.

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Mathematics of bushfire

In these classroom activities students will be introduced to some of the basic mathematical principles that underpin wildfire science, with an emphasis on how theoretical concepts are used to aid our understanding of the real world, and bushfire in particular. They will learn about the complexities of the fire management ...

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Proportion, Graphs and Equations - Calculate

This unit challenges students to identify and describe everyday examples of ‘direct’ and ‘indirect’ proportion. They learn to recognise direct and inverse proportion from graphs, distinguish between positive and negative gradients and use the equation y = kx to model direct linear proportion.

Online

Mathematical modelling (Measurement): Year 9 – planning tool

This planning resource for Year 9 is for the topic of Mathematical modelling. Students continue to solve mathematical problems from the real world around them. They draw upon knowledge learnt in the area of Measurement.

Online

Pythagoras and trigonometry (Measurement): Year 9 – planning tool

This planning resource for Year 9 is for the topic of Pythagoras and trigonometry. Students apply and build upon knowledge of Pythagoras’ theorem, angle properties, trigonometry and scales to solve problems involving right-angled triangles.

Downloadable

Different ways to pay

This lesson challenges students to explore the pros and cons of various payment options, how they spend their money, different consumer products and where to go for more information about saving money and debt. During the lesson, students investigate multiple payment options to choose those that suit their circumstances, ...

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Work sample Year 9 Mathematics: Similar triangles

This work sample demonstrates evidence of student learning in relation to aspects of the achievement standards for Year 9 Mathematics. The primary purpose for the work sample is to demonstrate the standard, so the focus is on what is evident in the sample not how it was created. The sample is an authentic representation ...

Online

TIMES Module 33: Number and Algebra: factorisation - teacher guide

This is a 17-page guide for teachers. It continues the discussion of factorisation. In particular, the techniques for the factorisation of quadratic expressions are presented.

Online

TIMES Module 22: Measurement and Geometry: scale drawings and similarity - teacher guide

This is a 41-page guide for teachers. It contains an introduction to scale drawings and similarity, and in particular the tests for triangles to be considered similar. Applications of similarity are included throughout the module.

Online

Scientific notation

This is a website designed for both teachers and students that addresses scientific notation from the Australian Curriculum for year 9 students. It contains material on scientific notation using index laws and multiplication, division and indices. There are pages for both teachers and students. The student pages contain ...

Video

ABC News: Space debris: the accuracy of space lasers

In space there are thousands of human-made objects (satellites and space junk) orbiting Earth. To avoid collision with space debris, satellites are manoeuvred out of its path. Discover how space debris is tracked using lasers, and about accuracy's effects on the lifetime of the satellite. Find out, using trigonometry, the ...

Interactive

Laptop wrap: Geometry gems

A page with a focus on using GeoGebra to enhance student understanding of various geometric properties and the importance of reasoning in proof. A laptop-friendly resource that includes supporting activities and links to resources.

Interactive

Laptop wrap: Investing wisely

In this laptop-friendly resource, students investigate unit pricing and explore the formulae and concepts of simple and compound interest.

Interactive

Numeracy wrap: Tell me why

Interactive activities that guide students to consider the use and presentation of geometric reasoning.