Education Technology

The Beach Race

Subject Area
Math: Calculus: Applications of the Derivative
Math: Calculus: Other Functions
Math: AP Calculus: AP Calculus
Level
9-12
Activity Time
90 Minutes
TI Calculator
TI-Nspire™ CX series
Resource Types
Lessons

The Beach Race

Activity Overview

This beach race begins from a point 4 kilometers out to sea from one end of a 6-kilometer beach and finishes at the opposite end of the beach. Contestants must swim to a point along the beach and then run to reach the finish line. I can swim at 4 km/h and run at 10 km/h. Where should I aim to land on the beach so as to minimize my total time for the race?

Before the Activity

Download the attached PDF and look over the information on the first two pages. Download and distribute the attached .tns file for use during the activity. A .tns file containing expected student results is also available for download.

During the Activity

Discuss the material from the activity pages with students as needed.

After the Activity

Encourage students to summarize what they have learned from completing the activity. If desired, discuss the extensions with students.

Subject Area
Math: Calculus: Applications of the Derivative
Math: Calculus: Other Functions
Math: AP Calculus: AP Calculus
Level
9-12
Activity Time
90 Minutes
TI Calculator
TI-Nspire™ CX series
Resource Types
Lessons
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