Journal

The journal is a reflective math challenge to show you know how to apply what we have learned in class to real-world scenarios.

Instructions

Recall our classroom discussion about the ski instructor building a fence around the black diamond and bunny ski slopes.  Answer the questions below, and show your work in detail.

1. Understanding the problem

a. What conjecture is being made?
b. What key details are given?
c. What is your plan of action?

Review your notes about consecutive interior angle pairs and review the information below:
A steep downhill ski slope is intersected at an angle by a less steep ski slope. 
Safety fences need to be set up in the locations shown. 
The angles of the fences, angles 1 and 2, can be determined by finding the relationship between the angles a and b.

2. Action

a. Draw a geometric diagram of this scenario using two parallel lines and one transversal. (Remember that a transversal is a line which cuts across parallel lines.)

b. Label the angles, parallel lines, and transversal as indicated in the diagram above. (2 points)

c. Starting with the fact that angles 1 and a are a linear pair and that angles b and 2 are also a linear pair, use a two column proof to prove the relationship between a and b, which are consecutive interior angles. (5 points)


  • Statements / Reasons
  • Statements / Reasons
  • Statements / Reasons
  • Statements / Reasons

    3. Explaination

    a. Explain what the result of your proof tells you about intersecting ski runs. (2 points)

    b. What are the Exterior Angles (6 points)

    * The fences will be aligned with the exterior angles ∠1 and ∠2.

    c. What are some other relationships you can see between ∠1, ∠2, ∠a, and ∠b? (2 points)

    d. Which of the relationships you listed above will be the most helpful in figuring out the measurements of the safety fences? (2 points)

    e.  What is the measure of ∠2? (2 points)

    4. Reflections (2 points: 1 point each)

    a.    Can you think of any other real-life scenarios where parallel lines and transversals exist?

    b.    What are the limitations of the ski slope scenario as a real-life example?