Task 1.

Imagine a scenario involving a bungee jumper leaping from a bridge, with the
jumper's height above the river surface modeled by the equation h(t) = -0.5t2 + v0t +
h0 , where h is measured in meters, t is in seconds, v0 represents the jumper's initial
velocity in meters per second, and h0 is the initial height above the river. Given v0 = 0
m/sec and h0 = 210 meters.

(i) Based on this scenario, answer the following questions that are related to the
mathematical understanding of the concept:

(a) What is the domain and range of h(t)? What is the physical significance of domain
and range in this scenario?

The domain of h(t) is made up of all possible time t values for which the equation holds true.
Since the jumper eventually lands back on the river surface after leaping from the bridge, the
domain is made up of all real numbers from the point of leaping (t = 0) until the jumper
returns to the surface of the river. In this case, as soon as the jumper reaches the water, they
will stop falling. As a result, t ≥ 0 is the domain (Stitz & Zeager, 2013).

The jumper can reach any height h during the jump, and this is represented by the range of
h(t). This scenario involves the jumper starting above the surface of the river and falling until
they reach the surface of the river due to gravity. Therefore, the range is the starting height
(h0) to the height of the river surface at the moment the jumper enters the water. Assuming
the river surface is at h = 0 meters and given h0 = 210 meters, the range is 0 ≤ h(t) ≤210
meters.

The domain and range in this scenario have physical significance because they specify the
duration of the jumper's motion and the maximum height the jumper can reach, respectively,
during the bungee jump. The range, which is limited by the initial height and the height of the
river surface, shows the maximum height the jumper may reach during the jump, while the
domain guarantees that the equation is valid at all times the jumper is in motion (Stitz &
Zeager, 2013).

(b) What is the vertex of the given height function, h(t) = -0.5t2 + v0t + h0? What does
the vertex represent in this scenario?

In this case we can utilize the formula for the x-coordinate of the vertex of a quadratic
function, t = -b/2a, to determine the vertex of the height function h(t) = -0.5t2 + v0t + h0. Here,
a and b represent the coefficients of t2 and t, respectively.

Thus, a = -0.5 and b = v0

Inserting these values into the formula:

t = -v0/2(-0.5)
t = -v0/1

t = v0

So the x-coordinate of the vertex is t = v0

To find the corresponding height, we can plug this value of t into the height function:

h(t) = -0.5t2 + v0t + h0

h(v0) = -0.5(v0)2 + v0v0 + h0

h(v0) = -0.5v02 + v02 + h0

h(v0) = v02 - 0.5v02 + h0

h(v0) = 0.5v02 + h0

So the y-coordinate of the vertex is h(v0) = 0.5v02 + h0.

Therefore, the vertex of the function is (v0, 0.5v02 + h0).

The vertex in this instance indicates the highest point the bungee jumper reached while
making the jump. At the beginning height h0, it is the highest point on the jumper's trajectory
(Stitz & Zeager, 2013).

(c) At what time does the bungee jumper reach maximum height and what is the
maximum height? Explain using the formula and scenario.

We can use the vertex form of the quadratic function h(t) = -0.5t2 + v0t + h0 to find the
maximum height at which the bungee jumper reaches and the corresponding maximum
height. The equation can be expressed as follows in vertex form:

h(t) = a(t - h)2 + k

where (h, k) represents the coordinates of the vertex

Comparing this with our function h(t) = -0.5t2 + v0t + h0, we can identify a = -0.5, h = v0, and
k = 0.5v02 + h0

The time at which the maximum height is reached is when t = v0, which we found previously
to be the x-coordinate of the vertex.

Substituting t = v0 into the equation, we find the maximum height:

h(t) = -0.5t2 + v0t + h0

h(v0) = -0.5(v0)2 + v0v0 + h0

h(v0) = 0.5v02 + h0
The maximum height is 0.5v02 + h0

In this case,

Initial velocity(v0) = 0 m/s

Initial height above the river(h0) = 210 meters

Substitute the values into the equation for maximum height:

Maximum Height = 0.5(0)2 + 210

Maximum Height = 210 meters

Hence, at t = v0 = 0 seconds, the bungee jumper reaches its maximum height of 210 meters,
meaning that it is attained instantaneously upon jumping off the bridge. Physically speaking,
this makes sense because the jumper starts the jump with zero upward velocity and gradually
slows down as a result of gravity, stopping briefly at the highest point of the jump (Stitz &
Zeager, 2013).

(d) At what time does the bungee jumper reach the height of 11m?

To find the time at which the bungee jumper reaches a height of 11 meters, we need to solve
the equation h(t) = -0.5t2 + v0t + h0 = 11 for t

Arrange the equation h(t) = -0.5t2 + v0t + h0 = 11 form a quadratic equation

-0.5t2 + v0t + h0 - 11 = 0

Insert:

Initial velocity(v0) = 0 m/s

Initial height above the river(h0) = 210 meters

-0.5t2 + 210 - 11 = 0

-0.5t2 + 199 = 0

Solve for t using the quadratic formula

t = (-b ± sqrt(b2 - 4ac))/2a

where a = -0.5, b = v0 = 0, and c = 199

t = (-0 ± sqrt(02 - 4(-0.5)(199))/2(-0.5)

t = (sqrt(4 * 0.5 * 199))/-1

t = (sqrt(398))/-1
In this case, time cannot be negative, so we discard the negative root.

Thus, the time at which the bungee jumper reaches a height of 11 meters is around t ≈
(sqrt(398))/-1

(e) What is the height after 20 seconds of the jump, and what does this situation
represent?

We can easily substitute t = 20 seconds into the equation for the height function to find the
height after 20 seconds of the jump.

h(t) = -0.5t2 + v0t + h0

Given

Initial velocity(v0) = 0 m/s

Initial height above the river(h0) = 210 meters

h(20) = -0.5(20)2 + 0(20) + 210

h(20) = -0.5(400) + 210

h(20) = -200 + 210

h(20) = 10

Thus, the bungee jumper's height above the river's surface is 10 meters following a jump of
20 seconds.

This scenario depicts a moment in the bungee jump where the jumper has dropped from the
starting height but is still above the surface of the river. The jumper is ten meters above the
river at t = 20 seconds.

(f) When will the bungee jumper touch the river?

To find when the bungee jumper touches the river, we need to determine the time t when the
height function h(t) = -0.5t2 + v0t + h0 equals to zero.

Given

Initial velocity(v0) = 0 m/s

Initial height above the river(h0) = 210 meters

-0.5t2 + v0t + h0

-0.5t2 + (0)t + 210

Where, a = -0.5, b = 0, and c = 210

So we can solve it using the following quadratic formula

t = (-b ± sqrt(b2 - 4ac))/2a

Insert the values

t = (-0 ± sqrt((0)2 - 4(-0.5)(210)))/2(-0.5)

t = (± sqrt(0 + 420))/-1

t = (± sqrt(420))/-1

We eradicate the negative root because time cannot be negative in this situation. The bungee
jumper thus comes into contact with the river at:

t = (± sqrt(420))/-1

t ≈ 20.49

We only take into account the positive root in this case because negative time is physically
illogical. As a result, 20.49 seconds after the jump, the bungee jumper touches the river.

(ii) Based on that scenario, answer the following questions that related to the graphical
understanding of the concept:

(a) Draw the graph of the given height function, h(t) = -0.5t2 + v0t + h0

The given height function, h(t) = -0.5t2 + v0t + h0, can be graphed by plotting points on a
coordinate system, with t being the time (x-axis) and h being the height (y-axis).

Given

Initial velocity(v0) = 0 m/s

Initial height above the river(h0) = 210 meters

When you substitute the values into the equation it becomes

h(t) = -0.5t2 + 210

Time(t) Height(t)
0 210
1 209.5
2 208
3 205.5
4 202
 5 197.5
6 192
7 185.5
8 178
9 169.5
10 160
11 149.5
12 138
13 125.5
14 112
15 97.5
16 82
17 65.5
18 48
19 29.5
20 10
21 -9.5

Graph of h(t) = -0.5t2 + 210

(b) By observing the graph, determine the time intervals in which the height is
increasing or decreasing.
Using the plot points from the table, we can analyze the graph to identify the intervals of time
where the height is increasing or decreasing.

 Interval of Decreasing Height:

From t = 0 seconds to t = 20 seconds, the height decreases from 210 meters to 10 meters.

 Interval of Increasing Height:

There is no interval of increasing height in the provided plot table. The height continuously
decreases from t = 0 seconds to t = 20 seconds.

(c) Find the axis of symmetry on the graph and explain the above scenario using the axis
of symmetry.

An axis of symmetry is a vertical line that splits a graph of a quadratic function into two
symmetric sections. It travels via the parabola's vertex. In this case, the vertical line that goes
through the graph's vertex would be the axis of symmetry. A quadratic function of the form y
= ax2 + bx + c has its axis of symmetry determined by the formula x = -b/2a.

In the given height function h(t) = -0.5t2 + v0t + h0, the axis of symmetry is t = -v0/2a. Since v0
= 0, the axis of symmetry simplifies to t = 0.

Since the axis of symmetry marks the halfway point between the jumper's beginning of
descent and ascending, it physically represents the instant the jumper reaches the highest
point of the jump (Stitz & Zeager, 2013).

(d) What are the t and h intercepts on the axes here? What do they represent in this
scenario?

The t intercept represents the time at which the jumper initially jumps off the bridge, while
the h intercept represents the height above the river surface at which the jumper eventually
lands.

In this scenario, the t intercept is t = 0 seconds, which corresponds to the moment when the
jumper jumps off the bridge. The h intercept is h = 0 meters, which corresponds to the height
of the river surface when the jumper lands.

Task 2. Imagine you are a city planner working on improving transportation routes in a
bustling metropolis. Your task is solving several geometric and graphical challenges
related to a proposed road project connecting linearly to different locations. Solving
these challenges contributes to an efficient urban transportation network, benefiting
residents and visitors alike.
(i) Optimal Route Planning: Determine the equation of the road that seamlessly
connects critical locations, Points A(5,7) and B(6,5).

To determine the equation of the road connecting Points A(5,7) and B(6,5), we first need to
find the slope of the line passing through these two points using the slope formula:

m = y2 - y1/x2 - x1

where, (x1,y1) = (5,7) and (x2,y2) = (6,5).

Substitute the values into the formula

m = 5 - 7/6 - 5

m = -2/1

m = -2

Now that we have the slope, we can use the point-slope form of the equation of a line, which
is given by:

y - y1 = m(x - x1)

Substitute Point A(5,7) into the equation

y - 7 = -2(x - 5)

y - 7 = -2x + 10

y = -2x + 10 + 7

y = -2x +17

The equation of the road that seamlessly connects Points A(5,7) and B(6,5) is y = -2x +17

(ii) Traffic Flow Analysis: Calculate the road's slope between A and B for efficient
traffic design.

To calculate the slope between points A(5,7) and B(6,5), we can use the same slope formula:

m = y2 - y1/x2 - x1

where, (x1,y1) = (5,7) and (x2,y2) = (6,5).

Substitute the values into the formula

m = 5 - 7/6 - 5

m = -2/1

m = -2
Thus, the road's slope from point A to point B is -2. This indicates that the vertical direction
(y-axis) decreases by two units for every unit increase in the horizontal direction (x-axis).

This slope suggests a descent from point A to point B when analyzing traffic flow. Regarding
traffic design, this might mean creating a road with controlled curves, appropriate drainage
systems, and safety signage in order to manage cars descending the road effectively (Stitz &
Zeager, 2013).

(iii) Enhanced Traffic Safety: Determine the changes in road elevation from A to B,
focusing on safety and convenience.

To determine the changes in road elevation from Point A to Point B, we can calculate the
difference in the y-coordinates of these points. Since the y-coordinate represents the
elevation, the difference in y-values will give us the change in elevation along the road.

Given that Point A is (5,7) and Point B is (6,5), we can calculate the change in elevation as
follows:

Change in Elevation = yB - yA

Change in Elevation = 5 - 7

Change in Elevation = -2

The negative sign indicates a descent in elevation from Point A to Point B.

This road's features will need to be designed to account for the elevation change in order to
improve traffic safety and convenience. For instance, guardrails can be installed where
needed, suitable drainage systems can be ensured to prevent water from building up on the
road surface during rainy seasons, and appropriate signage can alert drivers to the descent. In
order to guarantee safe braking distances, road construction techniques could also be used to
improve traction for cars going downhill (Stitz & Zeager, 2013).

(iv) Alternate Routes Provision: Create parallel and perpendicular routes to offer
commuters diverse travel options.

To provide commuters with diverse travel options, we can create parallel and perpendicular
routes to the road connecting Points A and B.

Parallel Route

A parallel route can be made by moving the original road a specific distance while keeping
the same slope. Assume, on the y-axis, that we wish to draw a parallel route that is located
two units away from the original road. Initial road equation: y = -2x + 17. We'll maintain the
slope (-2) and change the y-intercept to move the road 2 units away in order to create a
parallel route (Stitz & Zeager, 2013).

y = -2x + new y-intercept

The new y-intercept can be found by substituting the coordinates of one of the points into the
equation. Let's use Point B(6,5):

5 = -2(6) + new y-intercept

5 = -12 + new y-intercept

New y-intercept = 17

Thus, the equation of the parallel route would be y = -2x + 17.

Perpendicular Route

To create a perpendicular route, we need to find the negative reciprocal of the slope of the
original road (since perpendicular lines have slopes that are negative reciprocals of each
other). Original road slope: -2 The negative reciprocal of -2 is 1/2. We can then choose a
point on the original road (such as the midpoint between A and B) and use it as a reference
point to construct the perpendicular route. Let's find the midpoint between A and B (Stitz &
Zeager, 2013).

Mid-point = ( (xA + xB)/2 , (yA + yB)/2)

Mid-point = ((5+6)/2 , (7+5)/2)

Mid-point = (11/2 , 6)

Now, we'll use this midpoint (11/2 , 6) and the slope 1/2 to find the equation of the
perpendicular route using the point-slope form:

y - y1 = m(x - x1)

y - 6 = 1/2(x - 11/2)

y - 6 = (1/2)x - 11/4

y = (1/2)x - 11/4 + 6

y = (1/2)x - 11/4 + 24/4

y = (1/2)x + 13/4

We have created both parallel and perpendicular routes to offer commuters diverse travel
options in addition to the main road connecting Points A and B.
(v) Visual Infrastructure Mapping: Create a graphical map of the road alignment for
use in planning and stakeholder presentations.

Creating a graphical map of the road alignment involves plotting the points and drawing the
road connecting Points A and B, as well as the parallel and perpendicular routes. Let's
visualize this.

Given

Point A(5,7)

Point B(6,5)

We'll label the main road as “AB”, the parallel road as “Parallel”, and the perpendicular road
as “Perpendicular”.

Point A is (5,7)

Point B is (6,5)

The main road AB is represented by the line connecting A and B.

The Parallel road runs parallel to AB, maintaining a constant distance.

The Perpendicular road intersects AB at a right angle, passing through the midpoint of AB
(vi) Access Points Identification: Locate intercepts on the x and y-axes, serving as vital
road access and landmarks.

x-intercept

Naming x-intercept as Point C on the graph

Setting y = 0 in the equation of the road

y = -2x + 17

0 = -2x + 17

2x = 17

x = 8.5

The x-intercept is Point C(8.5,0)

y-intercept

Naming y-intercept as Point D on the graph

Setting x = 0 in the equation of the road

y = -2x + 17

y = -2(0) + 17

y = 17

The y-intercept is Point D(0,17)

(vii) In this situation how many parallel and perpendicular to the proposed road are
possible?

In this situation, there are infinitely many parallel and perpendicular roads possible to the
proposed road.

Parallel road: Roads that are parallel can have different distances from each other and the
same slope as the proposed road. Since the proposed road has a constant (-2) slope, any line
parallel to it will have the same slope but a different y-intercept. There are therefore an
endless number of possible parallel roads (Stitz & Zeager, 2013).

Perpendicular road: We must take into account lines whose slopes are negative reciprocals of
the slope of the proposed road when designing perpendicular roads. Given that the proposed
road has a slope of -2, perpendicular roads would have a slope of 1/2. Similarly, the number
of lines that could intersect the proposed road at a right angle with a slope of 1/2 is infinite
(Stitz & Zeager, 2013).
Task 3. Globalpetrolprices.com is a website that compares utility bills for households
and businesses. It has been observed that Denmark, German and Italy have the highest
household electricity costs. Suppose Italy’s electricity pricing is as follows: Each
household bears a minimum of 50$ fixed charge and an additional 0.78$ for each unit of
electricity consumed by the household.

Based on the above scenario, please answer the following instructions:

(i) Formulate a linear function for the electricity pricing based on the consumption.
Please clearly define each variable.

We can express the total cost (C) as a function of the amount of electricity consumed (E) to
create a linear function for consumption-based electricity pricing for Italy.

Let's define the variables:

 C: Total cost of electricity (in dollars)

 E: Amount of electricity consumed (in units)

Given:

 Fixed charge: $50

 Additional charge per unit of electricity consumed: $0.78

The linear function for the electricity pricing can be expressed as follows:

C(E) = 50 + 0.78E

In that equation,

C(E) represents the total cost of electricity as a function of the amount of electricity
consumed.

50 represents the fixed charge that each household bears regardless of the amount of
electricity consumed.

0.78E represents the additional charge for each unit of electricity consumed by the household.

(ii) How does the average rate of change in electricity price with consumption impact a
consumer's monthly bill? Answer by calculating the average rate of change.

The amount that the price of electricity changes, on average, for each extra unit of
consumption is indicated by the average rate of change in price with consumption. In this
instance, it shows the average increase in the monthly bill for every additional unit of
electricity used (Yoshiwara, 2020).
We can use the slope of the linear function we formulated in part (i) to get the average rate of
change. A linear function's slope shows how quickly things are changing. In this instance, the
variable that represents consumption's coefficient is the slope (Yoshiwara, 2020).

From the linear function:

C(E) = 50 + 0.78E

The coefficient of E(0.78) represents the rate at which the electricity price changes with
consumption.

So, the average rate of change in electricity price with consumption is $0.78 per unit.

This means that for each additional unit of electricity consumed, the monthly bill increases by
an average of $0.78.

References:

Stitz, C., & Zeager, J. (2013). College algebra.Stitz Zeager Open Source
Mathematics. https://stitz-zeager.com/szca07042013.pdf

Yoshiwara, K. (2020). Modeling, functions and graphs. American Institute of