Leverage

The diagram below shows the forces involved when a mechanical arm is used to lift a weight, W.

Leverage

Build and analyze a model of the human arm.

Subject: Algebra
Topics: Rational Equations and Functions
Grades: 6 - 12
Concepts:
- Rational expression
Knowledge and Skills:
- Can solve equations involving rational expressions
- Can plot a rational function

Download Teacher Guide: Leverage (PDF)
Download Student Activity: Leverage (PDF)

Algebra in the Real World Movie:

An Engineer and Her RobotAn Engineer and Her Robot

What do you do if you're building a space station and happen to let go of a $250,000 tool that you had forgotten to tie down? Somebody is going to need to take a spacewalk to retrieve it. If you're lucky, you can give that dangerous task to "Arnie"--the robot.
Running time 2:36 minutes.

Watch the Movie