Superlesson
Project 7-3
Algebra
Chapter 7, Lines and Distance
How are taxis and math related? How about taxis, math, and Pythagoras? Let's investigate!
Part A, Taxi Distance
1. The state capital of California is Sacramento. Open the Maps Web site and type Sacramento, CA 95814 in the blanks provided.
a. The star on the map is the Governor's Mansion State Historic Park. Find the taxi distance between the Governor's Mansion State Historic Park and the California State Capitol Museum.
b. Find the taxi distance between the Governor's Mansion State Historic Park and the Towe Ford Museum, a wonderful museum to see old cars.
Part B, The Pythagorean Theorem
2. Continue looking at the site of downtown Sacramento.
a. Find the distance from the Governor's Mansion State Historic Park to the California State Capitol Museum as "the crow flies." If necessary, adjust the map so that you can see both locations.
b. Find the distance from the Governor's Mansion State Historic Park to the Towe Ford Museum as "the crow flies."
Part C, Finding Coordinate Distances
3. Use the same Maps Web site to find a map of your home town. Working with a partner, look at the map of your town. Assign coordinates to the outside of your map, with the lower left hand corner being (0,0). Make sure to label your axis.
4. Write five distance questions that pertain to coordinates on your city map. Put each question on a file card. Exchange cards with other students. Be sure to show absolute value and square root symbols when appropriate.
Part D, Making Connections
5. Continue using a map of your town. Choose two intersections on your map. Explain how to find the distance between the two intersections.
6. Choose two different intersections on the map of your town. Find the
halfway point between the two intersections. Explain your choice.