Beating Usain requires a head start. With a race against Usain Bolt as a background, the resource introduces a system of linear equations. A quick activity uses tables to determine whether a head start is enough for the presenter to win a race against Usain Bolt. The video challenges individuals to determine how much of a head start the presenter needs to come out victorious.

Concepts

running, system of equations word problems, graphing linear equations, linear equations, systems of linear equations, table of values

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Additional Tags

math

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Instructional Ideas

• Instead of plotting the line, plot the individual points determined in the table
• Lead a discussion on the types of problems that require a system to solve

Classroom Considerations

• Pupils should understand graphs of lines and slope
• Part of the Math at the Core: Ratios series
  

Pros

• Provides a visual to see the differences in distance
• Contains learning outcomes

Cons

• None

Common Core

5.G.A.1 5.G.A.2 6.RP.A.3.a 6.EE.C.9 7.RP.A.2.b 8.EE.C.8.a 8.EE.C.8.c