Grade: XI

Unit/Topic Functions & Modelling

Level: Higher Level
Date: 26.8.2021
Duration: 40 minutes
Marks: 25
Name of the Student:

Learning Objectives: Reflect on understanding of Linear, Quadratic and Exponential Modelling.

Skills Addressed: Use of GDC in problem solving in a timed setting

Application of conceptual understanding of 3 types of modelling.

Task Details: The task consists of 3 questions, each of which address at least one type of modelling.

Questions 1 and 2 are short answer type questions and Question 3 is a long answer type question.

FORMULA:
 1. Maximum Marks: 6

A scientist investigated the migration season of the Bulbul bird from their natural
wetlands to a warmer climate.
He found that during the migration season their population, P could be modelled by
𝑃 = 1350 + 400(1.25)−𝑡 , t ≥ 0, where t is the number of days since the start of the
migration season.

a) Find the population of the Bulbul birds

i. at the start of the migration season.
ii. in the wetlands after 5 days. [3]

b) Calculate the time taken for the population to decrease below 1400. [2]

c) According to this model, find the smallest possible population of Bulbul birds during
the migration season. [1]

2. Maximum Marks: 6
 3. Maximum Marks: 13

a) Using the information from the following table, find the linear model of the given data.
(Consider x as the year and y as its corresponding temperature)

[3]

b) Use your model to predict the Earth’s average temperature in 2018. [2]

It is found that the records from which the 50 year average for 1708 was calculated, are not
reliable. Consequently, a new data table is produced, not including 1708, and replacing the
actual year with a 50 year scale: 1 unit = 50 years after 1758, 2 units = 100 years after 1758
etc.

c) Using the table above write down the constant term, c, of the quadratic model:
𝑦 = 𝑎𝑥² + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐 that fits this data. [1]

d) Using the coordinates: (2, 9.12) and (5,9.76) set up two equations to find a quadratic
model for this data. [2]

e) Solve your simultaneous equations to find a quadratic model for this data. [2]

f) Use this quadratic model to predict the Earth’s average temperature in 2018. [1]
g) The Earth’s average temperature in 2018 was 10.1°𝐶.
Work out the percentage difference between:

(i) the actual 2018 temperature and the linear model’s prediction.
(ii) the actual 2018 temperature and the quadratic model’s prediction [2]

FORMULA: