Frets

Suppose you are building a guitar where the distance from the bridge to the nut is 1000 millimeters. Use what you have discovered about the ratios of the fret positions to determine the locations of each of the first 12 frets.

Frets
Subject: Algebra; Problem Solving
Topics:
- Patterns
- Variables
- Look for a Pattern
Grades: 7 - 9
Concepts:
- Ratio
- Pattern
- Variable
Knowledge and Skills:
- Can apply the problem-solving strategy "look for a pattern"
- Can solve multi-step problems
- Can solve equations of the form ax = b

Download Activity: Frets (PDF)

Algebra in the Real World Movie:

Building Custom GuitarsBuilding Custom Guitars

Go inside the workshop of Alembic, one of the most influential bass and guitar makers in the business, to see how they rely on precision numbers to craft guitars with the best quality sound and customized fit for each musician.
Running time 5:09 minutes.

Watch the Movie