Math Problem of the Week - Algebra and Up - Sept. 26, 2021 to Oct. 2, 2021

Algebra and Up: 

Question: A large circular saw at the Packard Sawmill has a radius of 3 feet. The edge of the saw's blade strikes the milled trees at a rate of 9,000 feet per minute. What is the rate at which the saw rotates in radians per minute?

Answer: 3,000 radians per minute

Solution: Since a radian has an arc length equal to the radius, each radian that the saw rotates causes 3 feet of the edge of the blade to strike the tree. So, to find the number of radians that would cause 9,000 feet of the edge of the blade to strike the tree, we divide 9,000 ÷ 3 = 3,000. The rate at which the blade rotates is 3,000 radians per minute.