Imagine the picture below is an escalator.

PICTURE #1.

The measurements of the escalator are marked. For this experiment we are going to use the formula:

a squared plus b squared is equal to c squared.

We found the measure of a and b with a tape measure.

a = 363 inches and b = 208 inches so c = 418.37 inches.

We will also use d = r t.

To find t, the time it takes to travel from top to bottom, you need to use a stop watch to time yourself.

Our class average was 22.5415 seconds. So time, t, equals 22.5415 seconds and distance, d, equals 418.37 inches so now we need the rate.

Divide d by t to get r = 18.5998935 inches per second.

Now convert this rate into miles per hour.

*Hint*

How many inches are in a mile?

Think about it this way: there are 5280 feet in a mile now multiply by 12 since there 12 inches in a foot.

How many seconds are in a hour?

Think about it this way: there are 60 seconds in a minute and 60 minutes in a hour now multiply.

The answer we got for rate, r, is 1.055 mph.

Next we will repeat these same steps for the other two sides.

PICTURE #2.

We may use the Pythagorean Theorem to show how these rates are related. Calculate the rates along side a and along side b using the 22.5415 seconds and the method above to get:

Side a (363") has a rate of .915 mph.

Side b (208") has a rate of .524 mph.

Now we can use a squared plus b squared is equal to c squared:

a squared = .837225 and b squared = .274576

Then the result of adding a squared and b squared gives:

c squared = 1.111801.

Now take the square root of 1.111801 and you get 1.054419 which is pretty close to c = 1.055 mph found above.

the formuals work!!!!!!!

For more information and ideas about this project you may link to a page written by one of the following math artists: Danielle, Darlene's Second and Fourth Web Page, Kellie, Jill, Nanyal, Kevin, Crystal, Rachel, Christina, Jennifer, Candice, Vincent, Esther and Melinda. Most of us are in this picture but not in order of names.