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GRADE 7 MATH · LEARNING PATHWAYS 2.0

Proportional vs. Nonproportional

Explore proportional vs. nonproportional through guided examples and 12 practice questions.

Section 1 of 25

01 · DISCOVER

Before you begin

Enter your name and school email to save your learning. You’ll explore Proportional Relationships in Tables and then practice 12 questions with feedback.

Success criteria
  1. I can explain the main math idea in my own words.
  2. I can use a model, calculation, or example to solve a related problem.
  3. I can check my answers and explain why a solution makes sense.

Essential question: How can we use proportional vs. nonproportional to solve problems?

02 · LEARN & EXPLORE

Real-world challenge

A taxi charges $4 plus $2 per mile. Is total cost proportional to distance?

First make a prediction, then learn a mathematical strategy for checking it.

Fees

Recognize when a starting charge changes the model.

Data

Avoid assuming every straight line is proportional.

Claims

Test patterns using more than one example.

03 · LEARN & EXPLORE

Build the core concept

A proportional relationship starts at zero and is modeled by y = kx. A starting fee gives a nonzero y-intercept, so it is not proportional.

Think about which quantity is input, which is output, and what their units mean.

04 · LEARN & EXPLORE

Build the language of proportional reasoning.

Use these terms as you explain your thinking.

Nonproportional

A relationship that does not maintain one constant ratio y/x.

Initial value

The output when x = 0.

Fixed fee

A charge that does not depend on usage.

Linear relationship

A relationship with a constant additive rate of change.

Direct variation

Another name for y = kx.

Counterexample

One case that proves a general claim false.

05 · LEARN & EXPLORE

Explore the structure

A taxi charges $4 plus $2 per mile. Is total cost proportional to distance?

Represent the known quantities in a table, equation, number line, or graph. Identify what remains constant.

Explore the mathematical relationship

Notice how the bars scale. Determine whether the real problem keeps a constant ratio, and explain your reasoning.

1. Ratio test

Check whether the quotient stays constant.

2. Origin test

Check the graph’s starting point.

3. Equation test

For proportionality, b must equal zero.

06 · LEARN & EXPLORE

Ratio test

Check whether the quotient stays constant.

1Notice what quantities, values, or representations are given.
2Use Ratio test to describe the multiplicative relationship—not only what changed.
3Check that the reasoning works for every value and that the units make sense.
Start with this foundation.

Check whether the quotient stays constant.

y/x

07 · LEARN & EXPLORE

Origin test

Check the graph’s starting point.

1Notice what quantities, values, or representations are given.
2Use Origin test to describe the multiplicative relationship—not only what changed.
3Check that the reasoning works for every value and that the units make sense.
Build on the first idea.

Check the graph’s starting point.

(0,0)

08 · LEARN & EXPLORE

Equation test

For proportionality, b must equal zero.

1Notice what quantities, values, or representations are given.
2Use Equation test to describe the multiplicative relationship—not only what changed.
3Check that the reasoning works for every value and that the units make sense.
Connect everything with the final idea.

For proportionality, b must equal zero.

+ b

09 · LEARN & EXPLORE

Worked solution with reasoning

  1. Model the fare C = 4 + 2m.
  2. For m = 0, the fare is $4, not zero.
  3. The ratios of cost to distance are not constant.
  4. This is linear but not proportional.

10 · LEARN & EXPLORE

Choose the steps; use a hint if needed.

The next three problems remove some of the support. Identify what is known, select the right strategy, calculate carefully, and check the units or representation.

11 · LEARN & EXPLORE

Now complete the work independently.

Complete six questions without following a worked model. Hints remain available when you truly need them, and feedback will explain every answer.

12 · LEARN & EXPLORE

Explain and apply

Explain the mathematical strategy used in this lesson and describe how it would help in a different everyday situation. Give a reasonableness check.

INDEPENDENT PRACTICE · 1 OF 12

Which equation is proportional?

Find the value and explain your reasoning.

INDEPENDENT PRACTICE · 2 OF 12

A line passes through (0,5). Is it proportional?

Find the value and explain your reasoning.

INDEPENDENT PRACTICE · 3 OF 12

Table: x 1,2,3 and y 4,8,12. Proportional?

Find the value and explain your reasoning.

INDEPENDENT PRACTICE · 4 OF 12

Table: x 1,2,3 and y 5,8,11. Proportional?

Find the value and explain your reasoning.

INDEPENDENT PRACTICE · 5 OF 12

A gym charges a $10 fee plus $5/visit. Proportional?

Find the value and explain your reasoning.

INDEPENDENT PRACTICE · 6 OF 12

For proportional y=6x, what is y when x=0?

Find the value and explain your reasoning.

INDEPENDENT PRACTICE · 7 OF 12

Which equation is nonproportional?

Work independently. Select the best answer, complete any needed calculation, and check that the result fits the situation.

INDEPENDENT PRACTICE · 8 OF 12

A graph is a straight line through (0, 4). What is true?

Work independently. Select the best answer, complete any needed calculation, and check that the result fits the situation.

INDEPENDENT PRACTICE · 9 OF 12

A table has (1,5), (2,8), (3,11). Is it proportional?

Work independently. Select the best answer, complete any needed calculation, and check that the result fits the situation.

INDEPENDENT PRACTICE · 10 OF 12

Which situation is proportional?

Work independently. Select the best answer, complete any needed calculation, and check that the result fits the situation.

INDEPENDENT PRACTICE · 11 OF 12

What single point disproves the claim that y = 6x + 2 is proportional?

Work independently. Select the best answer, complete any needed calculation, and check that the result fits the situation.

INDEPENDENT PRACTICE · 12 OF 12

Which feature makes y = 4x + 9 nonproportional?

Work independently. Select the best answer, complete any needed calculation, and check that the result fits the situation.

RESULTS · REFLECT

Your Learning Pathway Results

Reflect on your learning: Which problem best shows what you learned? What strategy helped, and what would you still like to practice? Explain your answer to a partner or write it on paper before submitting.

Check your work and submit your first-attempt score to your teacher.