Warm

Up
Solve using the quadratic formula.

6x 2 4x = 3x + 2

Describe how to calculate the discriminant of a quadratic equation.

Explain what the discriminant tells you about the types of solutions
the quadratic equation has.

Unit 2: Analyze Linear and Quadratic Functions

Target 2.4
MODELING WITH LINEAR AND
QUADRATIC FUNCTIONS
(S3.2/3.4)

Create a scatterplot to determine if the data shows a linear or

quadratic relationship.
The table shows the number y (in thousands) of alternative-fueled
vehicles in use in the United States x years after 1997.
x

280

295

322

395

425

471

511

548

Use a graphing calculator to create the

equation of best t for the above data.
If trends continue, estimate how many
alternative-fueled vehicles will be on the roads
in 2020.

A pumpkin tossing contest is held each year in Morton, Illinois,

where people compete to see whose catapult will send pumpkins
the farthest. One catapult launches pumpkins from 25 feet above
the ground at a speed of 125 feet per second.
The table shows the horizontal distances (in feet) the pumpkins
travel when launched at dierent angles.

Determine if the data shows a linear or quadratic relationship. Then

nd the equation of best t.
Use your calculator to determine what angle you
should use to get the maximum horizontal
distance.

A farmer has 800 yards of fence to enclose a rectangular eld. Write

a function that expresses the area of the eld in terms of x. Then
nd the dimensions of the fence that would maximize area.

The function h(t) gives the height h of a ball t seconds after a

juggler throws it into the air.
2

h(t) = 16t + 40t +1

At what time is the ball at its maximum height?

What is the balls maximum height?



If the juggler misses the ball, at what time will it hit
the ground?

You are selling a product whose price p can be modeled with the
equation p = 26,000 160x where x is the number of units sold.
Revenue = (price) (units sold) or R = px. Find a model that
expresses revenue as a function of x.

What is the maximum revenue?

How many units should be sold to maximize revenue?

What price should you charge to maximize revenue?