standard_description: Use rational approximations of irrational numbers to compare the size of irrational numbers, locate them approximately on a number line diagram, and estimate the value of expressions (e.g., p^(2)). For example, by truncating the decimal expansion of Ö2, show that Ö2 is between 1 and 2, then between 1.4 and 1.5, and explain how to continue on to get better approximations.
problem_activity: Problem 1
A quadratic equation is shown below.
$${x^2=(2x-9)^2}$$
a.  Solve this equation by expanding and then factoring.
b.  Solve this equation by taking the square root of each side.
Problem 2
A physics teacher put a ball at the top of a ramp and let it roll down toward the floor. The class determined that the height of the ball could be represented by the equation
$${h=-16t^2+4}$$
, where the height,
$$h$$
, is measured in feet from the ground and time,
$$t$$
, is measured in seconds.
[IMG]
What do you notice about the structure of the quadratic expression in this problem?
In the equation, explain what the
$$4$$
represents.
Determine the time it takes for the ball to reach the floor. Interpret your solution(s) in context of the problem.


aligns: no