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

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

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

What is the relationship between the sides of a right triangle?
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

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