Math 221

Homework #3

 

Instructions. This is due on October 4 at the beginning of class. It is worth 20 points. Late papers lose 4 points if turned in Monday, plus 3 points per additional day or partial day late. You must work by yourself, but feel free to consult with me. Explain what you did and why you did it: good explanations are essential! In this assignment, pictures (number lines) are especially important for good explanations. Your paper should start with an introduction and finish with a conclusion. Start early, ask questions and do well.

 

Introduction. This problem is taken from an “Ask Marilyn” column in Parade magazine. Marilyn specializes in poorly worded mathematics problems with interesting answers. This particular problem was in response to a question sent in by a Glenvar High School student. 

 

Problems.  Carefully state and solve exercises 41 and 42 on page 655. In particular, the problem states that it “is clear” that the first two turnaround points are at ¾ and 3/16. The problem as stated by Marilyn has more than one interpretation. Under either interpretation, those are the first two turnaround points. So those are clearly correct answers. However, I do want you to show and explain why they are correct.