8.8.1: Preparation 3.2-W Solar Energy

Ratios and Unit Rates

Unit rates are ratios with a denominator of “1,” although they are not always written as fractions. For example, 60 mph written as a unit rate is \(\dfrac{60\;miles}{1\;hour}\).

The language “miles per hour” implies that the operation is miles divided by hours.

(1) Write each expression as a unit rate in fractional form.

(a) 23 mpg (miles per gallon)

(b) 12 ft/sec (feet per second)

(c) 5 gal/min (gallons per minute)

(d) $7.15/hr (dollars per hour)

(2) Convert each rate into a unit rate.

(a) \(\dfrac{250\;miles}{12.5\;gallons}\)

(b) \(\dfrac{450\;miles}{8\;hours}\)

(c) \(\dfrac{\$382}{40\;hours}\)

In the next collaboration, you will learn about solar energy. You will learn about potential costs and benefits of using solar energy in residential homes. Please watch this short video, “Renewable Energy 101: Solar Power” prior to the next class. It will help you better understand how solar panels work.

Video: https://carnegiemathpathways.org/go/ytsolar

After Preparation 3.2 (survey)

You should be able to do the following things for the next collaboration. Rate how confident you are on a scale of 1–5 (1 = not confident and 5 = very confident).

Before beginning Collaboration 3.2, you should understand the concepts and demonstrate the skills listed below.