MA129 Lab Report 2 Fall 2024
Name: Student Number:
1. [5 marks] Linear equations and slopes have an important role in helping to predict the ways things will change.
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(a) Write the linear equation, in point-slope form, for the line that has a slope of − , and passes through the point
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(x, y) = (1, 1). This is a special line along the ellipse x2 + 4y 2 = 5, known as a tangent line (to be covered in the course).
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Linear Function: y − 1 = − (x − 1)
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(b) Suppose a grid were laid over a city, with the least expensive land at the origin, and plots of land along an ellipse
x2 + 4y 2 = k have the same value. Land at (1, 1) would have the steepest price change by moving in the direction of the
line perpendicular to the tangent line from part (a). Find the equation of this perpendicular line, in slope-intercept form.
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Slope of Function: − =4
−1/4
Point: (x, y) = (1, 1)
Linear Function: y − 1 = 4(x − 1) ⇒ y = 4x − 3
(c) Plot and label the lines from parts (a) and (b) on the axis provided. The ellipse plotted has the equation x2 + 4y 2 = 5.
[Note that intuitively if the origin is the least expensive land you might expect the line to pass through the origin. By
repeating this process moving a small amount along a line perpendicular to the ellipse, then determining the tangent to
x2 + 4y 2 = k at that new location the path keep moving closer to the origin. This concept won’t be covered in this course.]
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2. [5 marks] Consider the function f (x) = . Evaluate and simplify the following:
2−x
(a) f (3 + h)
1 1
f (3 + h) = =
2 − (3 + h) −1 − h
(b) f (3 + h) − f (3) [Express as a single fraction.]
1 1
f (3 + h) − f (3) = −
−1 − h 2 − 3
1 1 1
= − = +1
−1 − h −1 −1 − h
1 + (−1 − h)
=
−1 − h
−h h
= =
−1 − h 1+h
f (3 + h) − f (3)
(c) [Remember to state any restrictions that are not obvious from the final expression.]
h
h
f (3 + h) − f (3) 1
= 1+h = , h ̸= 0
h h 1+h
3. [4 marks] Determine the domain of each of the following functions. State all results using interval notation.
3+x
(a) f (x) = .
x2 − 9
x2 − 9 ̸= 0 ⇒ (x − 3)(x + 3) ̸= 0 ⇒ x ̸= 3, −3
∴ domf is x ∈ (−∞, −3) ∪ (−3, 3) ∪ (3, ∞)
√
(b) g(x) = − x + 2
x + 2 ≥ 0 ⇒ x ≥ −2
∴ domg is x ∈ [−2, ∞)
4. [11 marks] An amusement park estimates the wait time W for a specific ride at 1 p.m. based on the temperature (in degrees
Celsius) can be modelled by:
W (T ) = −0.4T 2 + 14.4T − 14, where T is the temperature.
(a) Find the vertex and any intercepts of W (T ). (b) Sketch W (T ) on the axis below. Be sure to
Record intercepts as points. label the vertex and all intercepts found in (a).
Vertex:
b b
− ,f − = (18, f (18)) = (18, 115.6)
2a 2a
T -int (W = 0):
−0.4T 2 + 14.4T − 14 = 0
⇒ −0.4(T 2 − 36 + 35) = 0
⇒ −0.4(T − 1)(T − 35) = 0
⇒ T = 1, 35
∴ the T -intercepts are (1, 0) and (35, 0).
W -int (T = 0): W (0) = −14
∴ the W -intercept is (0, −14).
(c) Determine the temperature(s) that will give the longest estimated wait time.
The longest estimated wait time would be when the temperature is 18◦ C.
(d) What is the range for W (T )? Ensure the range is meaningful in the context of the question, justify your decision.
A wait time below 0 minutes would not be meaningful, and the highest value us 115.6 minutes, so rangeW : [0, 115.6].
(e) Based on this model for W (T ), there appears to be a temperature that people consider too hot, resulting in no wait time.
Identify the temperature.
There is no wait time for this ride for temperatures above 35◦ C (or below 1◦ C). This makes it appear as though people
would find 35◦ C to be too hot for an amusement park.
(f) Interpret the meaning of W (30) = 58, be specific.
From the model W (30) = 58, indicates that when the temperature is 30◦ C, guests can expected to wait 58 minutes for
this specific ride at 1 p.m.
Total: 25