This problem is a quadratic function example. The other tasks in this set illustrate F.BF.1a in the context of linear (Kimi and Jordan), exponential (Rumors), and rational (Summer Intern) functions.
In this task students must figure out how much fresh water you must add to get a particular salt concentration in aquarium water.
This task asks students to determine a recursive process from a context. Students who study computer programming will make regular use of recursive processes.
This task, while involving relatively simple arithmetic, codes to all three standards in this cluster, and also offers students a good opportunity to practice modeling (MP4), since they must attempt to make reasonable assumptions about the average length of vehicles in the traffic jam and the space between vehicles. Teachers can encourage students to compare their solutions with other students.
The principal purpose of the task is to explore a real-world application problem with algebra, working with units and maintaining reasonable levels of accuracy throughout.