Use variables to represent two quantities in a real-world problem that change in relationship to one another write an equation to express one quantity, thought of as the dependent variable, in terms of the other quantity, thought of as the independent variable. Solve real-world and mathematical problems by writing and solving equations of the form x + p = q and px = q for cases in which p, q and x are all nonnegative rational numbers. Use variables to represent numbers and write expressions when solving a real-world or mathematical problem understand that a variable can represent an unknown number, or, depending on the purpose at hand, any number in a specified set. Write and evaluate numerical expressions involving whole-number exponents. Explain the importance of solving equations in basic structural design.Explain the use of sensors in a system, especially in feedback control.Identify terms in the mathematical equation.
Demonstrate how to solve two-step equations.Active tinkering, especially when operating a structure or a system, allows for a successful engineering design and helps engineers visualize and assess designs during service use.Īfter this activity, students should be able to: In fact, civil engineers sometimes use seesaw-sized models to test models for force balance and structural stability. Small-scale structures and systems are used to test calculations before full-sized structures and systems are constructed, particularly when dealing with designs that millions of people depend on for everyday use, such as a bridge, house or skyscraper. Weight, or forces, acting on beams must balance in order for the beam and the building itself to stay still and rigid. In the world of structural engineering, beams inside buildings are assessed in a similar manner. A typical seesaw is a structure that handles the weight of multiple people, and can be considered still and balanced if equal weight is placed on both ends, and/or if the weight is distributed equitably along the seesaw beam. The fundamentals of building design require a balance of force, or weight, in all parts of the design, much like a seesaw. The use of sensor equipment for correct position monitoring aids students in balancing the structure, as well as balancing the equation as they solve it on paper.Īccurate step-by-step visualization of a design or plan is crucial for all scientists and engineers when conducting scientific inquiries, research experiments, and most of all, design assessment. They solve two-step equations on a worksheet and attempt to solve the challenge of "balancing a beam" through hands-on problems. Students use a simple seesaw to visualize solving a two- or three-step mathematics equation, while solving a basic structural engineering weight balance problem in the process.