Name: ____________________________________ Date: ____________

Laboratory 1
Assignment

Introduction to Biomechanics
Lab and Math Review

Aims and Objectives

 Gain an understanding of the laboratory content.

 Gain an understanding of how the laboratory portion of the course will be graded and what is
required.

 Review basic math operations needed for biomechanics.

This laboratory will provide you an appreciation of the laboratory component of biomechanics
(PEP 4200). You will also be given the opportunity to review basic math concepts that are
critical to succeeding in biomechanics. Remember, one of the major goals of the laboratory
experience in biomechanics (PEP 4200) is to provide a hands-on experience that allows you to
better learn new information with sensory systems and not just cognitive systems. Have a good
time!

Equipment Needed

 Laboratory syllabus
 Course project guidelines
Name: ____________________________________ Date: ____________

Assignment

A. Introductory information

Discuss course syllabus

Discuss Basic Mathematics and Related Skills (Appendix A: pg. 517)

o Negative Numbers
o Square Roots
o Order of Operations (PEMDAS or BEDMAS)
o Simple Algebra

Trigonometric Functions (Appendix B: pg. 522)

o Pythagorean Theorem
o Sin, Cos, and Tan

Common Units of Measurement (Appendix C: pg. 525)

←Mul ply By 
Variable  Metric Unit  English Unit 
Divide By → 
Distance  Centimeters  2.54  Inches 
  Meters  0.3048  Feet 
  Kilometers  1.609  Miles 
Speed  Meters/second  0.447  Miles/hour 
Mass  Kilograms  14.59  Slugs 
Force  Newtons  4.448  Pounds 
Work  Joules  1.355  Foot‐pounds 
Power  Watts  745.63  Horsepower 
Energy  Joules  1.355  Foot‐pounds 
Impulse  Newton‐seconds  1.355  Pound‐seconds 
Torque  Newton‐meters  1.355  Foot‐pounds 
Name: ____________________________________ Date: ____________

B. Practice Problems (circle your final answer)

1. Use a = 15, b = 3, t = 4, solve each equation for "x"

a. x = (a – b) / t

b. x = (2(a – b) + 3b – 5) / (t + b)

c. x = 2(a – b)2 / 10

2. Use the following formula to compute the desired quantity: d = v t + ½ a t2

a. If v = 5, t = 2, a = 10; what is d?

b. If d = 80, t = 2, a = 10; what is v?

3. Given the hypotenuse = 10 m, angle α = 30º, find the length of both legs of the triangle.

4. Given angle α = 55º, opposite side = 4 m, find the hypotenuse and adjacent side lengths.
Name: ____________________________________ Date: ____________

5. Given the length of the side A = 3 m, and side B = 5 m, find the acute angles and the
hypotenuse.

6. Solve for x
a. 32 24

b. 3 2 12 10 5

7. Solve the expression using order of operations

a. 5 2∗2 2 5 2∗2

b. 3∗4 3∗4

8. Given the length of side A = 4 m, and side B = 7 m, find the acute angles and the
hypotenuse.

9. Given angel α = 63°, opposite side = 6 m, find the hypotenuse and adjacent side lengths.
Name: ____________________________________ Date: ____________

10. Given the hypotenuse = 12 m, and angle β = 46°, find the length of both sides of the
triangle and the remaining angle.

11. Michael Phelps is swimming across a 100m wide river. The river current is 1m/s and
Michael swims his fastest, which is 2m/s
a. Draw the problem

b. How far down stream does he travel before he reaches the other side?

c. In total how far does he swim in total?