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Interactivity

Interactivity


Introduction: Solving Problems

In this Interactivity, you will help Maria solve a problem involving a two-step equation. You'll be able to see what Maria is thinking at each step of the problem.

Solving Problems

Exploration Guide

When you start the Interactivity, a problem will be displayed on the screen. Your goal is to create a two-step equation that models the real-world situation in the problem, and then solve the equation. To help you along, you can see Maria's thoughts in the bottom left corner of the Interactivity, underneath the problem.

  1. The first step in solving the problem is to read it carefully. Click "Next" when you're finished reading.

  2. After reading the whole problem once, you should identify each of the key facts in it. Click "Next" to see each key fact in the problem and a diagram which shows what that key fact represents.

  3. Once you've gone through all the key facts, you will be able to create an equation that models the real-world situation in the problem. In the Interactivity, you will see 5 empty spaces followed by "= Bottom Temperature." Drag the appropriate tiles into the empty spaces to create an equation that relates the bottom temperature to the depth of the mine and the surface temperature. If you make any mistakes, read Maria's thoughts carefully. She will give you hints to help you correct errors in your equation.

  4. After you create the correct equation, click "Next." Now you can use the other key facts to complete the equation. Each of these key facts has a tile that fits into your equation. For example, if one of the key facts in the problem tells you what the temperature at Earth's surface is, drag the tile from that key fact onto the part of the equation labeled "Surface temperature".

  5. When you have correctly placed all the tiles into your equation, try solving it on paper. Then, click "Next" to check your work. Click "Next" again to see the final answer to the problem. Click "New" to try a new problem.

Assessment Questions

    The wind speed at the center of a storm is 60 miles per hour. The wind speed decreases by 10 miles per hour for every kilometer you travel from the center. The wind speed at your current location is 30 miles an hour. How far are you from the storm's center?

  1. Which part of the problem will give you an equation to relate wind speed to your distance from the center of the storm?
    1. "the wind speed at the center of a storm is 60 miles per hour"
    2. "the wind speed decreases by 10 miles per hour for every kilometer you travel from the center"
    3. "the wind speed is 30 miles an hour at your current location"
    4. "How far are you from the storm's center?"
  2. Which of the following should you name as the variable in your equation?
    1. The wind speed at the center of the storm.
    2. The wind speed at your current location.
    3. The distance between your current location and the center of the storm.
    4. The amount the wind speed decreases for every kilometer from the center of the storm.
  3. Which of the following expressions would give you the wind speed at your current location?
    1. Wind speed at center of storm + 10 bullet Distance between current location and center of storm
    2. Wind speed at center of storm – 10 bullet Distance between current location and center of storm
    3. Distance between current location and center of storm + 10 bullet Wind speed at center of storm
    4. Distance between current location and center of storm – 10 bullet Wind speed at center of storm

Algebra 1 iText

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Chapter 2
Solving Equations