Modelling with quadratic functions
Introduction
In this activity, you are going to use your knowledge of quadratic functions to model using them.
An abstract example
Trajectory modelling.
Find two quadratic functions that pass through these points. You may use the input box to check your answers.
A small description
The "Ponte da Ribeira d'Ametade" is a car bridge in Madeira Island built in the 1940s by João Augusto de Sousa. It has stayed true to its original design and is highly shareable on social media. It can hold a lot of weight due to its parabolic arch. We have superimposed a picture of it on the cartesian plane.
Ponte da Ribeira d'Ametade
Curve modelling
Find a quadratic function that models the arch of the bridge
Long jump
In the next image, you have a long jump separated into freeze frames.
Modelling a long jump
Quadratic modelling
Find the curve which describes the trajectory of this jump.
A hanging necklace
Curve modelling
Find a function which models this hanging necklace. Try two models.