Superlesson
Project 8-1

Superlesson
Project 8-2

Algebra

Chapter 8
Multiplying and Factoring Polynomials

Let's take a look at some ways algebra applies to space and space travel.

Part B, Multiplying Monomials

1. Open the StarDate Online Web site. Go to the Resources section and click on Solar System Guide. At this site you can find information about the various planets of our solar system.

a. Make a chart to keep track of the Mass, Diameter, and Average Distance in Miles from the Sun of the other eight planets. Express each entry in both standard and scientific notation.

Planet	Average distance from sun Standard	Average distance from sun Scientific	Mass (times Earth's mass)	Diameter standard (miles)	Diameter scientific (miles)
Mercury
Venus
Earth
Mars
Jupiter
Saturn
Uranus
Neptune
Pluto

c. Compute your weight on each of the planets using the surface gravity information.

Planet	Surface Gravity (times weight on Earth)
Mercury
Venus
Earth
Mars
Jupiter
Saturn
Uranus
Neptune
Pluto

Part C, Dividing Monomials

2. Use the Planets Web site to look up the Distances from the Sun for Earth and Jupiter. How many times farther is Jupiter than Earth from the sun? Use scientific notation.

3. Density is equal to the mass of an object divided by the volume of the object. If the planets are each spherical in shape and the formula for the volume of a sphere is (4/3)(3.14)(r³), what is the density of Earth? Express your answer in scientific notation.

Part D, Making Connections

4. You are to plan the next space mission to Mars.

a. What are some things that you must consider?

b. If you are to orbit Mars, how many Earth days will it take you?

c. What is the length in miles of the orbit of Mars if the circumference is equal to π times the diameter? Express your answer in scientific notation.