Cat and Mouse (Modeling with Linear Systems)
Slowly and silently, a cat stalks a mouse. Just before the cat pounces, the mouse sees the cat and dashes towards its hole, the cat hot on its heels. Will the mouse reach its hole before being caught?
Students can model this exciting scenario with the Cat and Mouse (Modeling with Linear Systems) Gizmo, which has been recently updated with new Lesson Materials. Each animal’s speed and starting point is modeled by a linear equation, and a graph demonstrates whether the two lines cross before the mouse escapes. Students can solve the simple system of linear equations graphically or using algebra, and then run the simulation to see what happens.
Good luck little mouse!
