Scribd
Upload
13 views2 pages

Polynomials TC Project - Rollercoaster Sem2

Uploaded by

1068959
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
13 views2 pages

Polynomials TC Project - Rollercoaster Sem2

Uploaded by

1068959
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 2

Names: _____________________________________ Due: __________________________________

Rollercoaster Thinking Project – Desmos


Background:
Polynomials are everywhere! They play a key role in the study of algebra since polynomials are used
to describe curves of various types. Did you know engineers use polynomials to design rollercoaster
rides? Did you know that rollercoasters get all their potential energy from the chain in the first hill, so
the first hill must be the largest? In this assignment, you will be an engineer!

Your Task:
In this project, you will use your knowledge of polynomial functions to create a smooth rollercoaster
that meets the following criteria on Desmos:

 The rollercoaster starts at the origin


 The first hill must be the highest
 One interval of the rollercoaster must be underground
 The maximum time on the rollercoaster is 100 seconds
 The maximum height of the rollercoaster must be less than 150 feet, and the minimum height
must be less than 20 feet underground

Your rollercoaster will be limited to the following conditions on the polynomials you use:

 You must use at least TWO polynomial functions of degree 3 or higher, in factored form, with
restricted domains
 You must use only ONE quadratic function, in transformed/vertex form, with a restricted domain
 You must use only ONE linear function, in y = mx + b form, with a restricted domain
 The IROC where the functions meet must be relatively close (safety is important!)

1. SKETCH:
Roughly sketch what you want your rollercoaster to look like. Include things like zeroes,
maximums and minimums, and any other points you really want to include. Your rollercoaster will
have at least four “parts” to it based on the conditions set above. Remember that this is just a
sketch to get an idea of what you want the rollercoaster to look like – your final rollercoaster will
likely be different as you adjust some of the values in your functions.
Note: Independent variable is time (in seconds), and dependent variable is height (in feet).
Take a PICTURE of your sketch and paste it into your document.
NAME your rollercoaster too, and include the name on your document
2. WINDOW SETTING:
Sign into your Desmos account and save your work as follows: Initials Student# Rollercoaster
Click on the wrench on the top right and adjust the window settings to match the following:
X-Axis: – 10 ≤ x ≤ 120 Y-Axis: – 30 ≤ y ≤ 160

3. ROLLERCOASTER:
Using your sketch, determine what the equation of the first part of your rollercoaster might be. You
may need to adjust the x-intercepts (or vertex) and the ‘a’ value. Remember to restrict the domain
based on where you want that part of the rollercoaster to start and finish. Continue to
create/test/graph the remaining parts of your rollercoaster based on the set conditions.
TIP: Where one part (function) of your rollercoaster ends, the next part (function) will begin.
The steepness of the rollercoaster should be relatively the same at that point for safety!!
Take a SCREENSHOT of your FINAL rollercoaster and paste in your document to submit with your
written work. Remember to ensure the image shows the functions you used with their restricted
domains, as well as the rollercoaster clearly.
Once you’ve finalized your work on Desmos, copy the LINK to your Desmos file into your document.

4. CHALLENGES:
As you worked through creating and adjusting the equations of your functions and their domains,
explain your thought process and some of the challenges you faced. Include your EXPLANATION
in your document.

5. INSTANTANEOUS RATES OF CHANGE:


Calculate the IROC at each of the intersection points of your functions.
For example, if the domain of f(x) ends at x = 25 and the domain of g(x) begins at x = 25, then
you would need to calculate the IROC for both f(x) and g(x) at x = 25. The IROC values for f(x)
and g(x) should be relatively the same. Continue to complete your IROC calculations for ALL
intersection points.
Take a PICTURE of your calculations and paste it into your document – ensure your work is clear
and legible, and that correct mathematical form is included!

Have you included everything?

Written Work: (1 document)


All your work must be clear, legible, and in order. You must submit a hard copy (printed) AND an
electronic copy (D2L) of your work. You can use the following Google Doc Template to insert images
of your work to help you keep your work organized.

Remember to PRINT OUT your work to submit AND to post the LINK to your Google Doc on D2L in the
comment box for the assignment.

Please submit a printed copy of your work at the start of class on Wednesday February 28th.
Please submit an electronic copy of your work on D2L by 3pm on Wednesday February 28th.

 Step 1 – Name + Sketch of rollercoaster


 Step 3 – Clear screenshot of your FINAL rollercoaster graph on Desmos
+ ALL polynomial functions + Domain restrictions
 Step 4 – Thought process in developing a rollercoaster that satisfied all the set conditions
+ and Challenges faced in doing so
 Step 5 – Calculations for the IROC at each point of intersection of functions, clearly written
with proper mathematical form

You might also like