PROBLEM

SOLVING
Charlotte Burback

Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills

(5) Algebraic reasoning. The student applies mathematical process
standards to identify and apply number patterns within properties of
numbers and operations in order to describe relationships. The student is
expected to:
(G) apply properties of operations to add and subtract two or three
numbers.

Problem
A rubber ball rebounds to half the height it drops. If the ball is
dropped from a rooftop 18 m above the ground, what is the total
distance traveled by the time it hits the ground the third time?
a. 31.5 m
b. 40.5 m
c. 45 m
d. 63 m

18 m.

The ball is
dropped
from 18m.
And bounces
off of the
ground.

9m.

The ball
bounces up
half of the
height it
was
dropped
which is 9m.

9m.

The ball then had

to travel down the
same amount of
distance it
traveled up. It
hits the ground
for the second
time.

4.5 m.

The ball then

bounces up
again half the
height it fell.
Which is 4.5m.

4.5 m.

The ball has to fall to

the ground the same
amount of distance it
traveled up. This is
the third time the ball
hits the ground.

Answer
When added altogether

18 + 9 + 9 + 4.5 + 4.5 = 45
So the total distances the ball traveled after hitting
the ground for the third time is 45m.