The Drop

Suppose a roller coaster ride begins by climbing to a height of 50 meters, and then falling rapidly to a height of 10 meters. If you ignore the effects of friction, then as it falls its velocity will be related to its height above the ground by this equation:

50 - h = v²/19.6

Subject: Algebra
Topics: Expressions and Equations
Grades: 6 - 12
Knowledge and Skills:
- Can evaluate expressions by substituting values for variables
- Can simplify expressions using correct order of operations
- Can do basic operations on both sides of an equation in such a way as to preserve the equality

Download Teacher Guide: The Drop (PDF)
Download Student Activity: The Drop (PDF)

Algebra in the Real World Movie:

Roller CoastersRoller Coasters

The heart-pumping exhilaration keeps us coming back time and time again, but it’s the laws of the physics and a great deal of math that keep these thrill rides soaring through the air day after day.
Running time 2:00 minutes.

Watch the Movie