Expressions and Equations

Algebra Magic

Is this magic trick based on telepathy, or algebra? To find out, students model a sequence of algebraic steps.

Batting Average

If a batter goes into a game with a seasonal batting average of S after a total of T times at bat, and gets K hits in that game for N times at bat, how is his new batting average determined?

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The Drop

Suppose a roller coaster ride begins by climbing to a height of 50 meters, and then falling rapidly to a height of 10 meters. If you ignore the effects of friction, then as it falls its velocity will be related to its height above the ground.

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Elliptical Orbit

If the Space Shuttle were to make a maintenance trip out to a satellite in geo-synchronous orbit, the Shuttle would need to enter into an elliptical orbit around the earth.

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Force, Mass, Acceleration

Work out the acceleration specifications for a new car model.

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The Garden

Identify the variables related to a garden.

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Mars Lag

It takes time for a radio signal to travel from Earth to Mars and back. The one-way travel time is equal to d/c, where d is the distance between the planets and c is the speed of light in space (1806,000 miles per second).

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Monkey Business

You and a partner have decided to start a business, which provides trained chimpanzees to movie producers.

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Objects and Images

The focal length (f) is related to the distance from the lens to the object (Do) and the distance from the lens to the image that is created (Di) by this equation.

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Population Equations

Use principles of algebra to rearrange and solve one variable equations.

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PowerMills

Analyze power vs. windspeed data and determine the best-fit cubic equation.

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Response Time

If you send a signal over a fiber optic cable to another computer and get a response, the response time (t response) depends on the distance between you and the computer (L) and the velocity of light traveling through the cable (v) as well as the amount of time it takes the other computer to process your signal (t processing).

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