Equations and Problem Solving Part 2 (Uniform Motion)

Topics for Today:

We continued our discussion about problem solving by investigating uniform motion problems.   Most students are familiar with the basic formula for motion: 
distance = rate * time, or in algebraic terms, d = rt.

Uniform motion problems fall into three main categories: same-direction travel, round-trip travel, or opposite-direction travel.  Depending upon what the problem is asking, we'll combine our problem data in different ways to find our answer, but in each case, we will still apply the general formula (d=rt) to set up our problem.

Drawing diagrams to help picture what is going on in the problem is another helpful strategy.  Using a table to solve problems helps organize all the supporting data, and provides a systematic way to solve more complex problems.  Students are encouraged to use a table and to draw a picture of what is going on in the question to help better understand what is being asked.

Sections Covered in Textbook:

2-5: Equations and Problem-Solving Part 2 (pages 103-110)

Resources & Tutorials:

1)  How to Solve Opposite-Directions problem.
2)  How to Solve Same-Directions problem.
3)  How to Solve Round-Trip Travel Problems.