Geoff algebra, linear functions, linear inequalities, problem based learning, systems of equations

Systems of Linear Inequalities: Paleontological Dig

(Editor's note: the original post and activity mistook Paleontology for Archaeology. Archaeology is the study of human made fossils; paleontology is the study of dinosaur remains. The terminology has since been corrected and updated. Thanks to the commenters for the newfound knowledge.)  Here's an activity on systems of inequalities that teaches or reinforces the following concepts: … Continue reading Systems of Linear Inequalities: Paleontological Dig

Geoff algebra, equations, estimation, systems of equations, tasks

Evaluating energy efficiency claims

Artifact This (or other) energy efficient light bulb package(s). So many opportunities here, depending on how targeted you want to be. Or, if you prefer, what kind of problem you plan to facilitate. There's a clear nod to systems of linear equations (when one compares the time of payoff). There's also an opportunity for some … Continue reading Evaluating energy efficiency claims

Geoff algebra, proportion, systems of equations, tasks

CNET has some TV viewing size/distance recommendations.

Feels like there's a similarity (and a lot of other stuff) type problem in here. Artifact From CNET:  In a perfect videophile world, you'd want to sit no closer than 1.5 times the screen's diagonal measurement, and no farther than twice that measurement to the TV. For example, for a 50-inch TV, you'd sit between … Continue reading CNET has some TV viewing size/distance recommendations.

Geoff algebra, equations, systems of equations, tasks

Underground parking spots cost $30000-$50000 to build in D.C. This smells like a systems problem.

Artifact The Washington City Paper has a (rather lengthy) post on parking in D.C. Fair warning: it's pretty wonky with zoning rules, ordinances, etc. However, the numbers caught my eye: ... An underground parking spot costs between $30,000 and $50,000 to build, and residents pay for it one way or another. ... “Let’s say it’s … Continue reading Underground parking spots cost $30000-$50000 to build in D.C. This smells like a systems problem.

Geoff algebra, linear functions, systems of equations, tasks

U-haul Linear Systems problem (updated and improved)

A couple weeks ago I posted this problem. I like the problem, but I wasn't a huge fan of its solution and frankly, it sort of got away from me. Thankfully, my colleagues are more adept than I am at developing clear problems. So here's the updated, improved version. =============================================== Moving On Up Artifact / Entry Event … Continue reading U-haul Linear Systems problem (updated and improved)

Geoff algebra, linear functions, systems of equations

Can someone help me improve this problem? (U-Haul rental rates ; systems of linear functions)

So the Emergent Math family moved houses this weekend (editor's note: they didn't actually move the houses, they moved the furniture inside the houses). We were given basically three different options for U-Haul rentals of increasing size and increasing price. This led me to believe that a nice systems problem could be constructed from this. I … Continue reading Can someone help me improve this problem? (U-Haul rental rates ; systems of linear functions)