UTPA STEM/CBI Courses/Algebra/Right Triangle Problems

Course Title: Intermediate Algebra

Lecture Topic: Right Triangle Problems

Instructor: Rommel Garza

Institution: South Texas College


Backwards Design

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Course Objectives

 
Right Triangle.
 
Distance between two points.
  • Primary Objectives- By the next class period students will be able to:
    • Identify a Right Triangle problem
    • Setup an equation to solve the Right Triangle problem
    • Solve a Right Triangle problem
  • Sub Objectives- The objectives will require that students be able to:
    • Set up real world problems involving radical equations.
    • Solve Radical Equations.
  • Difficulties- Students may have difficulty:
    • Recall the formula needed for Right Triangle Problems, Pythagorean Theorem a2+b2=c2
    • Set up the radical equation
    • Finding exact answers to radicals
    • Finding approximate answers to radicals
    • Rounding numbers to the nearest tenths, hundredths, etc...
  • Real-World Contexts- A variety of real world problems translate into right triangle problems. There are many ways students can use this material in the real-world, such as:
    • Determining the height of buildings, height of trees, height of an antenna etc.
    • Determining the distance between two points
    • Builders laying the foundation for the corners of a building


Model of Knowledge

  • Concept Map
    • To accurately make a 90 degree angle using Pythagorean Theorem


  • Content Priorities
    • Enduring Understanding
      • Solving real life application problems that require radical equations
    • Important to Do and Know
      • Simplifying radicals
      • Approximating radicals
    • Worth Being Familiar with
      • Pythagorean Theorem
      • Names of the sides of a right triangle


Assessment of Learning

  • Formative Assessment
    • In Class (groups)
      • Students work in groups on selected right triangle problems and present it to the entire class
    • Homework (individual)
      • Students work on assigned problems and bring the difficulties to the next class
  • Summative Assessment
    • In class quiz over the lesson


Legacy Cycle

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OBJECTIVE

By the next class period, students will be able to:

  • Identify radical equations
  • Set up application problems involving radical equations
  • Solve Radical Equations and applications.

The objectives will require that students be able to:

  • Identify a right triangle problem
  • Use the Pythagorean theorem to solve the right triangle problem
  • Solve the radical equation for a right triangle problem


THE CHALLENGE

STC will be hosting a women's fast pitch softball game. You and your team members have been asked to use their multi-purpose sports field and set up the bases for the softball diamond. You are limited to the use of rope and a 100 ft measurement tape.

GENERATE IDEAS

How would we be able to find solutions for this type of problem?

MULTIPLE PERSPECTIVES

  • Research surveying
  • Pythagorean Theorem
  • Radicals

RESEARCH & REVISE

Gather information about a women's fast pitch softball diamond

TEST YOUR METTLE

  • Do a smaller scale experiment and see if we can relate the solution to a bigger scale.
  • Write a procedure for laying out your own women's fast pitch softball diamond.

GO PUBLIC

Share & present their procedure for laying out a women's fast pitch softball diamond to the entire class.


Pre-Lesson Quiz

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  1. What is the relationship between the sides of a right triangle?
  2. If you know the length of two sides of a right triangle. What is the exact and approximate length of the third side?


Test Your Mettle Quiz

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  1. What is the approximate and exact length of the diagonal of a regulation soccer field?