Professional Commentary
Students will gain a new appreciation for the d = rt equation from working this problem. This problem is one of Stella's Stunners, a collection of challenging and entertaining mathematical problems to intrigue students in grades 6 - 12. The Stella problems are ideal for promoting inquiry, problem solving, and classroom discussion of key mathematical ideas. Sample solutions are provided for each problem, but students may find other solutions and may even compete with their classmates to find the most creative solution path. Stella problems can be printed out individually or in sets designed for Pre-Algebra, Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II/Trigonometry, or Pre-Calculus. Problems can be printed with or without solutions and can be added to ORC Collections. The Stella website includes a wealth of teaching resource materials, including an essay on the value of problem solving, a list of 25 useful problem-solving heuristics, a biography of Stella, several tips for using Stella problems in the classroom, and listings of the Stella library by course, by title, and by Stella number. ORC hopes you enjoy the Stella problems, and we invite you to share with Stella's author any experiences you have using Stella problems with your students. (Stella number 2440.76)(author/sw)
Common Core State Standards for Mathematics
Standards for Mathematical Practice
CCSS.Math.Practice.MP2
Reason abstractly and quantitatively.
High School - Algebra
Creating Equations
Create equations that describe numbers or relationships
HSA-CED.A.1
Create equations and inequalities in one variable and use them to solve problems. Include equations arising from linear and quadratic functions, and simple rational and exponential functions.
HSA-CED.A.2
Create equations in two or more variables to represent relationships between quantities; graph equations on coordinate axes with labels and scales.
Reasoning with Equations and Inequalities
Understand solving equations as a process of reasoning and explain the reasoning
HSA-REI.A.1
Explain each step in solving a simple equation as following from the equality of numbers asserted at the previous step, starting from the assumption that the original equation has a solution. Construct a viable argument to justify a solution method.