PowerMills

The amount of power (P) produced by a windmill at a given instant of time depends on the wind speed (w) according to this equation:

P = kw³, where k is a positive constant

Analyze power vs. windspeed data and determine the best-fit cubic equation.

Subject: Mathematics
Topics: Algebra, Expressions and Equations, Patterns and Functions
Grades: 8 - 12
Concepts:
- Function
Knowledge and Skills:
- Can solve an equation involving powers by taking roots

Download Teacher Guide: PowerMills (PDF)
Download Student Lesson: PowerMills (PDF)

Electricity from the WindElectricity from the Wind:

It's renewable, non-polluting, and could supply up to 25% of America's electrical power needs.

Running time 3:22 minutes.

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