Chapter 11 – Rational Expressions
Lesson #7 – Solving Rational Equations Activity
OBJECTIVES:
To show students a real-world example of how rational functions are
used in fun situations (i.e. with roller coasters).
Simplifying rational equations in real-world contexts.
Evaluate if students understand the basic concepts of simplifying rational
expressions while they have fun researching roller coasters!
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This activity day requires only the worksheet and an explanation about how this
assignment relates to rational functions, inverse variations, etc.
Materials:
-
Worksheet for in-class assignment.
Pencil, paper (if needed).
Procedure:
1. Introduction to the class about roller coasters and how this activity will relate to
inverse variations and rational functions.
2. Pass out worksheets and instruct the class to try and work through each question
as they would any rational expression (simplifying denominators, etc.)
3. Explain that you want them to SHOW each step that they used, before typing the
equations in their calculators to find the decimals. (This way, you can see that
they understand simplifying rational expressions).
4. At end of class (or when students complete worksheet) pass out the review sheet
for the exam, explaining that the packet will be due tomorrow, so the students
need to finish it for homework.