Reflection Project 2: Zero Gravity Parabolic Flight

For the second project in Intermediate Algebra we were tasked to develop a mathematical

model for a parabolic path. Parabolic paths are used by pilots at NASA and other large agencies

to simulate zero gravity while on a plane by flying in the direction of a parabolic path in the air.

For this project we had to use numerous math techniques to solve the problems in the project. We

firstly had to calculate a quadratic model from a 3X3 System Of Equations using a set of data

points that represent the time in seconds, and height of the plane during a plane's flight. Once we

found our quadratic model from our System of Equations we then had to find the vertex of that

quadratic equation so we could graph the points given to us to represent the flight the pilot had to

take.

Initially we had to ponder on this reflection to answer yes or no if we believe this project

shows how math can be applied to the real world. I believe yes, this project shows how math can

be applied to the real world because the lab gives real life examples in the world where pilots

would have to use a system of equations and other tools to calculate their course of action on

their flight so they can safely achieve zero-gravity. Many people don’t understand how much

math it actually takes to fly a plane. A pilot must calculate the distance to fly to the correct

destinations, or calculate the time estimated when the plane will need to refuel. This is just one

of many examples of how math can be applied to real world situations.

There are other examples in the real world where individuals at their jobs need to use

quadratic functions. For example, deep sea divers along with cave divers are required to calculate their

air consumption depending on how long a diver is underwater, and how deep they plan on going. These

divers must use a quadratic function where the function assumes the average diver breathes mostly 8

cubic feet of air per minute which will in turn give you a SAC rate of 300 psi/minute when diving with a

standard 80-cubic-foot tank. A diver must calculate in exact terms depending on where they plan on
diving to, how much air they consume, and how deep they are going. It is a very important and tedious

process because if the math is done incorrectly it could result in the death of another individual if not

taken into account carefully.

If I was the pilot or flight crew attempting to reach zero gravity it would be extremely important

for me to understand how the system of equations was solved to verify the vertex of our graph which is

where we will be experiencing zero gravity. Why is this important? Because it would be very necessary to

explain the results for our flight path to other passengers on the plane so they would be aware of when the

plane attempts to reach zero gravity for the pilot and passengers safety so everyone can be prepared in

advance incase something goes wrong like a passenger, or even a pilot, passing out or getting sick. Then

the flight crew can create a plan in advance for emergency situations from our quadratic functions data.

I wouldn't say this project has changed my opinion on the usefulness of math, infact this project

has given me further evidence to support how useful math is in our everyday lives. As a computer science

major I am constantly using math to create algorithms and data structures in my programs, I need to know

how much memory an array, Node, or program is going to intake. I also see math used all the time in our

daily life to calculate money, during 2020 we saw math used to calculate the effectiveness of Covid-19

vaccines, we see math used everyday to help Doctors or Dentists take care of their patients. The list could

keep going on, but through this project I learned how much information you truly can get out of math to

improve businesses or even your own life. I used to hate math in elementary through highschool until I

graduated. I had no idea I'd be using so much math as a programmer daily, now I have a different

viewpoint when it comes to math. I appreciate and actually like math as someone who can understand it

better as I’ve grown up.