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


 * 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: The objectives will require that students be able to:
 * Identify radical equations
 * Set up application problems involving radical equations
 * Solve Radical Equations and applications.
 * 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

GO PUBLIC
 * 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.

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

Pre-Lesson Quiz

 * 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

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