Math 111 Activity #2

Curve Fitting Names

In this activity, you will practice curve fitting to functions. Show all your work. Attach any scratch paper to this handout. This
activity is due at the next class meeting.

1) The following table shows the vertical speed of a model rocket as a function of its (horizontal) distance traveled.

Time (sec) 1 0.50 1.0 1.50 2.00 1 2.5 1 3.00 1 4.00 5.00
0 0 111. -6.11I 1
Speed (feet/sec) 73 [ 55.9 43.1 25.4 1 22 7 1 68.9
3
a) Use this data to construct a scatterplot for the
height of the rocket as it depends on the
distance travels. Sketch it In box at right.

b) What type of function appears to be best to

model this data? Why?

Best type of function is:

■

Why?__________________________

c) Using your answer to part b, find an appropriate function to model this data using curve fitting as discussed
in class. Is this a good model? Explain your answer completely.

Model___________________________________

Is it a good model? Why?

d) At what time do you expect the vertical speed to be 4.5 feet/sec?

Time when vertical speed is 4.5 feet/sec?

e) What vertical speed do you expect when the time is 1.75 seconds, based on your model?

Vertical speed when the time is 1.75 seconds?