Light Lag

Calculate the speed of light time delay for satellites in a variety of orbits.

Subject: Algebra
Topics: Fractional Exponents
Grades: 8 - 12
Concepts:
- Fractional exponents
Knowledge and Skills:
- Can solve complex, multi-step problems
- Can solve equations involving fractional exponents

Download Teacher Guide: Light Lag (PDF)
Download Student Activity: Light Lag (PDF)

Algebra in the Real World Movie:

Communications SatellitesCommunications Satellites

It takes a sophisticated network of hundreds of communication satellites orbiting the earth to connect the dots of the global economy. It’s a field that relies on everything from variables to patterns and measurement to space science.
Running time 2:43 minutes.

Watch the Movie