Bank of Columbia

Suppose it costs $20,000 to build a wind turbine, and another $150 per day to operate it. Then the total amount of money invested to produce power (y) will be related to the number of days of operation (x) by this linear function:

y = 150x + 20,000

Subject: Algebra
Topics: Linear Equations
Grades: 6 - 9
Knowledge and Skills:
- Can translate a real-world problem into a one-variable linear equation

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Download Student Activity: Bank of Columbia (PDF)

Algebra in the Real World Movie:

Electricity from the WindElectricity from the Wind

It's renewable, non-polluting, and could supply up to 25% of America's electrical power needs. Wind power is a growing industry and represents a range of career opportunities that are rewarding in many ways.
Running time 3:22 minutes.

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