Precalculus: Polynomial Rollercoaster

Objectives

• Students will determine and analyze a polynomial model for a section of roller coaster track.
• Students will utilize translations to adjust their model to fit various criteria.
• Students will construct a cubic equation in factored form to fit given criteria.

Vocabulary

• cubic regression
• degree of a polynomial equation

About the Lesson

This lesson involves finding a cubic regression equation to model a section of roller coaster track.
As a result, students will:

• See the effect that various transformations have on the graph of a function.
• Analyze the regression equation to answer various questions.
• Adjust their equations to fit various criteria, and understand the advantages of writing them in various forms.
• Write a cubic equation, in factored form, to fit given criteria.