Who's Winning

This activity uses the CONST key on the TI-73.

Joseph found that his walking rate is 2.5 meters per second. When he met his cousin Juan he decided to time his walking. He found that his cousin could cover 100 meters in 100 seconds for a rate of 1 meter per seconds.

Joseph decides to challenge his cousin to a race. But he also decides to give his cousin a head start. Joseph let Juan start 30 meters ahead.

Activity Sheet

The students will collect data for Joseph and Juan.
To collect data for Joseph press 2nd CONST. Since Joseph is walking at 2.5 meters per second enter +2.5 in C1. Notice this constant is then highlighted.
Return to the homescreen by pressing 2nd QUIT.
Since Joseph starts are position 0 enter 0 and press CONST. Notice that the calculator indicates n = 1 and Joseph is at position 2.5 meters.
Continue to press CONST to gather data about where Joseph is each second.
Now let's see where Juan is. Press CLEAR and 2nd CONST
Press 2nd QUIT to get back to the homescreen. Start Juan at position 30 by pressing 30 and then start him walking by pressing CONST.
Continue to press CONST to move Juan along.
Record the data and see if you can determine if Joseph will catch up with Juan and how long it takes.