What You'll Do and Learn

In this lesson, you’ll watch a video to learn about Elton Brand, an accomplished NBA player, and how he uses math in his work. After viewing the video, you’ll work with a partner to solve a basketball-related algebra challenge that Elton introduces.

Before you get started, record your name(s) in the space below.

After you’ve finished this activity, you will be able to:

• Describe some of the ways athletes use mathematics and algebraic reasoning in sports;
• Identify a strategy and create a model for problem solving;
• Recognize, describe, and represent quadratic relationships using words, tables, numerical patterns, graphs, and/or equations;
• Understand the concept of a function and use function notation;
• Learn to recognize and interpret quadratic functions that arise in applications in terms of a context, such as projectile motion;
• Solve quadratic equations by inspection, taking square roots, completing the square, the quadratic formula, and factoring, as appropriate to the initial form of the equation.