Iditarod Challenge8th Grade

Concepts of Algebra

From Anchorage, in south central Alaska, to Nome on the western Bering Sea coast, each team of 12 to 16 dogs and their musher cover over 1150 miles in 10 to 17 days.

The Iditarod Trail, now a National Historic Trail, had its beginnings as a mail and supply route via dog sled.

In 1925, part of the Iditarod Trail became a life saving highway for epidemic-stricken Nome. Diptheria serum had to be brought in by dog sled. Balto was a real dog!

Iditarod Background

Northern Route (Even Years)

Southern Route (Odd Years)

Ceremonial Start

d = r tDistance Formula

Distance 45 mi Rate 11.5 mph Race Start Time 3/5 @ 2:00 PM

Use distance formula to solve for time

Calculate the elapsed time

Willow to Yentna

Yentna to Skwentna Distance 34 mi Rate 9 mph Start Time CARD: 1A

1AMoose Attack!Add 30 minutes to your time.

Distance 45 mi Rate 7 mph Start Time CARD: 2B

Skwentna to Finger Lake2BYour team is well fed and full of energy

Increase your rate by 2 mph for this leg.

Distance 45 mi Rate 11.5 mph

Willow to Yentna