Education Technology

Polynomial Rollercoaster

Subject Area
Math: Precalculus: Polynomial, Power, and Rational Functions
Math: AP Precalculus: Polynomial and Rational Functions
Level
9-12
Activity Time
45 Minutes
TI Calculator
TI-Nspire™ CX series
TI-Nspire™ CX CAS/CX II CAS
TI-Nspire Version
3.2
Resource Types
Lessons
Format
TNS

Polynomial Rollercoaster

Activity Overview

This lesson involves finding a cubic regression equation to model a section of roller coaster track.

Objectives

  • Students will determine and analyze a polynomial model for a section of roller coaster track.
  • Students will utilize translations to adjust their model to fit various criteria.
  • Students will construct a cubic equation in factored form to fit given criteria.

Vocabulary

  • cubic regression
  • degree of a polynomial equation

About the Lesson

This lesson involves finding a cubic regression equation to model a section of roller coaster track.
As a result, students will:

  • See the effect that various transformations have on the graph of a function.
  • Analyze the regression equation to answer various questions.
  • Adjust their equations to fit various criteria, and understand the advantages of writing them in various forms.
  • Write a cubic equation, in factored form, to fit given criteria.

Subject Area
Math: Precalculus: Polynomial, Power, and Rational Functions
Math: AP Precalculus: Polynomial and Rational Functions
Level
9-12
Activity Time
45 Minutes
TI Calculator
TI-Nspire™ CX series
TI-Nspire™ CX CAS/CX II CAS
TI-Nspire Version
3.2
Resource Types
Lessons
Format
TNS
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