Modeling with Polynomials

Modeling with Polynomials

Student Outcomes

• Students transition between verbal, numerical, algebraic, and graphical thinking in analyzing applied polynomial problems.

New York State Common Core Math Algebra II, Module 1, Lesson 17

Worksheets for Algebra 2

Opening Exercise

In Lesson 16, we created an open-topped box by cutting congruent squares from each corner of a piece of construction paper. a. Express the dimensions of the box in terms of 𝑥. b. Write a formula for the volume of the box as a function of 𝑥. Give the answer in standard form.

• Show Video for the Lesson

Mathematical Modeling Exercises 1–13

The owners of Dizzy Lizzy’s, an amusement park, are studying the wait time at their most popular roller coaster. The table below shows the number of people standing in line for the roller coaster 𝑡 hours after Dizzy Lizzy’s opens.

Jaylon made a scatterplot and decided that a cubic function should be used to model the data. His scatterplot and curve are shown below.

1. Do you agree that a cubic polynomial function is a good model for this data? Explain.
2. What information would Dizzy Lizzy’s be interested in learning about from this graph? How could they determine the answer?
3. Estimate the time at which the line is the longest. Explain how you know.
4. Estimate the number of people in line at that time. Explain how you know.
5. Estimate the 𝑡-intercepts of the function used to model this data.
6. Use the 𝑡-intercepts to write a formula for the function of the number of people in line, 𝑓, after 𝑡 hours.
7. Use the relative maximum to find the leading coefficient of 𝑓. Explain your reasoning.
8. What would be a reasonable domain for your function 𝑓? Why?
9. Use your function 𝑓 to calculate the number of people in line 10 hours after the park opens.
10. Comparing the value calculated above to the actual value in the table, is your function 𝑓 an accurate model for the data? Explain.
11. Use the regression feature of a graphing calculator to find a cubic function 𝑔 to model the data.
12. Graph the function 𝑓 you found and the function 𝑔 produced by the graphing calculator. Use the graphing calculator to complete the table. Round your answers to the nearest integer.

Try the free Mathway calculator and problem solver below to practice various math topics. Try the given examples, or type in your own problem and check your answer with the step-by-step explanations.

We welcome your feedback, comments and questions about this site or page. Please submit your feedback or enquiries via our Feedback page.