WCYDWT: Spacing Evenly

Sunday, 12 September 2010 | 2 Comments

A real-life version of this problem presented itself today.

Question 20. Find the least number of cuts needed to cut a log into 5 equal pieces.

(Source: Elementary Math Mastery, Rhonda Farkota)

I installed this wall today so we could place a gate across the kitchen to keep our child safe.

I want three evenly spaced screws along the bottom of this wall.
Where should I drill the holes?

Of course, I measured, divided into three and started marking out the spots to drill. As I marked the second spot I realised my mistake… and questioned my career choice.

Here are a series of images to use this as a problem in class.

Did I get it right…?

All these image files and a PowerPoint containing these images in the zip file below.

WCYDWT: Spacing Evenly ZIP, 1.3 MB

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons License (?).

Posted in • Lesson Idea • Fractions • Measurement • Number • Problem Solving • Media • Photo • What can you do with this? | Short URL: http://mths.co/1978

Comments

Liz Hemmings on 12 September 10 at 08:50 AM #

Love your comment about your questioning your career choice. Even the "experts" make mistakes translating our theory to practise. I guess it makes a good case for more hands on learning.

Erin on 04 November 10 at 02:58 AM #

Smooth job with the carpentry work!

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Simon Job — eleventh year of teaching maths in a public high school in Western Sydney, Australia.
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