SUPER SPEEDS
It is fun to dream about what you could do with superpowers. Would you want to fly? Be invisible? Move at super speeds? While these superpowers sound fun, the math that lies behind making this dream a reality may cause you to realize having one might not be a great idea. In this Discussion, you will explore the mathematical concepts behind travel, such as time, velocity, and distance. You also will practice solving systems of equations based on those relationships.
RESOURCES
To prepare for this Discussion:
Be sure to review the Learning Resources before completing this activity. Click the weekly resources link to access the resources.
WEEKLY RESOURCE
⚫ View the video on what it means mathematically to have the superpower of super speed.
• Consider the following scenario:
•You have made it a goal to travel around the equator in 24 hours. To do this, you will need to pick up the power of super speed at some point in your journey. Reflect on the equation given in the video:
⚫ Time x velocity = distance
Choose a possible velocity between 20 miles per hour and 70 miles per hour based on making this journey by car. Assuming the unknown time spent at this velocity is x, write an equation for the total distance traveled.
• At some point during the journey, you will gain super speed of 25,000 miles per hour as the superhero in the video did. You will travel the
rest of the time needed to complete the journey at this speed. Thinking about how this relates to the total time of 24 hours, write this in terms of x. Then, write an equation for this portion of the journey.
⚫Taking into account that the total distance you must travel around the equator is 24,901 miles. Using the two equations you wrote above, write one equation you could use to solve for x. Solve for x: the time spent at the reasonably paced speed. Then, use this information to solve for the time spent at super speed. Consider whether your answer is reasonable. Why or why not? Finally, think about two downfalls as presented in the video for the time you spend at super speed.
Click the link for Joy Lin's TED Talk, If Superpowers Were Real: Super Speed:
⚫ Lin, J. (2013, June). If superpowers were real: Super speed [Video]. TED Conferences. https://www.ted.com/talks/joy_lin_if_superpowers_were_real_super_speed#t-26187 Note: The approximate length of this media piece is 4 minutes.
Also Note: Closed captioning is available on this video.
With these thoughts in mind:
BY DAY 3
Post a response to the following prompts:
• Identify the velocity you selected and write your equation for the total distance traveled assuming the unknown time spent at this velocity is x. Show your work.
Write your equation for the portion of the journey in which you will travel at the super speed of 25,000 miles per hour.
• Write one equation you could use to solve for x.
• Solve for x: the time spent at the reasonably paced speed and use this information to solve for the time spent at super speed. Explain whether your answer is reasonable and why you believe as you do.
Explain two downfalls as presented in the video for the time you will spend at super speed.
Read a selection of your classmates' postings.