We did an experiment to find out how fast an escalator moves. We went to Frontenac Plaza.

First we used a tape measure to take measurements of the width and height of the escalator.

We found that the horizontal run of the escalator was 363 inches and the vertical rise was 208 inches.

Using this information we needed to find the distance of the escalator itself.

We used the formula a^2 + b^2 = c^2 (a squared + b squared = c squared.)

So, 363 squared + 208 squared = c squared.

Which is 131,769 + 43,264 = 175,033

and the square root of 175,033 makes c = 418.37 inches.

Now we know that the lenght of the escalator itself, c, is 418.37 inches long.

Next we want to find the rate, r, or the speed, of the escalator using the formula d = r t.

We timed ourselves on the escalator and came up with an average time of 22.54 seconds.

So, now that we have our distance (418.37 inches) and our time (22.54 seconds) we can use the formula to find the rate of the escalator.

        Calculation and Data Sheet

        d         =         r         t

418.37 inches = r (22.54 seconds)

          418.37in
r = -------------- = 18.56 in/sec
          22.54sec

Now we know that the escalator was moving 18.56 inches per second, but, we want to find out how fast it was moving in miles per hour.

(18.56 in/sec * 60 sec/min * 60 min/hr)/(12 in/ft * 5280 ft/mi) =

if you multiply this and cancel out where appropriate you will end up with:

        66,816 mi
r = -------------- = 1.054545!
        63,360 hr

In conclusion, the escalator was moving at a rate, or speed, of 1.05 miles per hour!!!!

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