Lesson 6: Solving Problems with Linear Systems: Focus

Module 7: Lesson 6

Module 7: Systems of Linear Equations

Lesson 6: Solving Problems with Linear Systems

Focus

This shows a photo of three origami birds.

Origami is the Japanese art of paper folding. With origami, you can create shapes that represent animals, flowers, toys, and other 3-D objects. The types of creations range from the simple to the complex. Origami is a recreational activity that stimulates creativity and improves manual dexterity, the ability to use hands with ease.

Origami has long been a subject of interest amongst mathematicians. Some studies have focused on whether certain models can be flattened without causing damage to them. Other studies have based the solution to mathematical equations on the creases of origami models.

Computer applications have been designed to assist in the design of origami models. Starting with a very basic drawing of an animal, for example, measurements would be taken that described the position of the animal’s parts. Then a system of equations based on those measurements would be developed. There could be a linear system comprised of hundreds of equations. The computer application then computes the solution to the system, which results in a crease pattern for the construction of the animal.

In this lesson you will apply the techniques that you have learned in this module to problems that require systems of equations to solve. You will encounter problems that are familiar and others that are novel. You will use these problems to test and refine your own personal strategies. The final lesson of this module will focus on hobbies that require manual dexterity.

Outcomes

At the end of this lesson, you will be able to

explain a strategy to solve a system of linear equations
solve a problem that involves a system of linear equations

Lesson Questions

Why is it necessary to learn several methods for solving a problem?
How can you recognize which strategy is most appropriate for solving a given system of equations?

Lesson Completion and Assessment

As you work through each lesson, complete all the questions and learning activities in your binder using paper and pencil, clearly labeling your work (they refer to this as your course folder). These include the Are you Ready, Try This, Share and Self Check questions. Check your work if answers are provided. Remember that these questions provide you with the practice and feedback that you need to successfully complete this course.
Once you have completed all of the learning activities, take the Lesson Quiz. This is the assessment for each lesson and is located under the Activities block on the left in moodle or under the Assess tab.

** Note – Share questions may have to be done on your own depending on your learning situation**