To be Hybrid or not?
I bought my current car, a Volkswagen Passat, five years ago when I began
student teaching. Although I have fond memories of my car, I have an oil
and anti-freeze leak. The time has come for me to purchase a new car. I have
begun my car research and have narrowed it down to four cars. The table
below lists my car options and prices I have found on-line. The fifth row is
for you to research a car that you think I should purchase.
Make Model Price
1. Volkswagen Jetta or Passat $18,205
2. Honda Civiv Hybrid $20,405
3. Toyota Camry Hybrid $23,000
4. Chevrolet Impala $21,700
5.
As you notice from my top four choices I am considering cars that are
hybrids. You will need to help me determine if buying a hybrid car is the
choice I should make.
Things that I am looking for in a car:
Good miles per gallon of gasoline rate
Affordable monthly payments (Max. is $400 for 5 years)
Low interest payment
Car depreciation rate
Environmentally friendly
Good ratings
I look forward to your written recommendation. Please see the rubric for
further details.
Sincerely,
Mr. Venegas
Math Teacher
Name: _______________
Hybrid Cars
People are looking for safe fuel alternatives for running the cars. A hybrid car is the perfect
answer for two problems: 1. Increasing gasoline prices 2. Increasing air pollution levels.
What are Hybrid Cars
In common language, the term hybrid means a mixture of two things. As the name suggests,
Hybrid cars run on a combination fuel. The energy for hybrid cars comes from a combination of
gasoline and an electric motor. Batteries give power to the electric motor. These batteries are
recharged automatically by utilizing the energy that is lost during braking and slowing down of
the vehicle. In hybrid cars, the electric motor acts as an electric generator by running backwards,
when the car slows down.
The engines in hybrid vehicle are smaller than those in a gasoline-powered car. Thus, they
consume less oil and are energy efficient. The extra power needed to accelerate the car, comes
from electric motor and batteries. The engine of hybrid car runs at higher speeds without using
excessive fuel. In some hybrid cars, the engine shuts off when the car stops at a traffic signal,
and starts on its own when the car is put in gear.
Does Hybrid Car Advantages Outweigh Disadvantages?
Advantages Disadvantages
Hybrid cars use less gasoline (I spend less $) Hybrid cars cost more
Hybrid cars emit less pollution Hybrid cars have lower speed and power
Hybrid help conserve earths natural resources Hybrid car repairs may be more expensive
Hybrid car earns buyer a tax credit
In your own words, what is a hybrid car? ____________________________________________
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Do the advantages of a hybrid car outweigh the disadvantages? Explain. __________________
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OUTCOMES
I will be able to apply
and explain the rules of
exponents