Liceo de Cagayan University
Senior High School Main Campus
RNP Boulevard, Kauswagan, 9000 Cagayan de Oro
Basic Calculus
4th Grading Period
A.Y. 2023-2024
Safe Roads near Liceo de Cagayan: Calculating
Curved Slopes for Highway Safety
Submitted by:
GRADE 11 STEM 20
Catherine R. Antay
Rosette Frencheska M. Buagas
Aina H. Dimang
Sharmelle Isabel C. Javier
Ayesha Faye F. Mantala
Yumizsa Zabdielle Raboy
Thed Jellery M. Tabian
Submitted to:
Kevin L. Galdo, LPT
Basic Calculus Teacher
April 2024
INTRODUCTION
In the field of civil engineering, designing safe and efficient roadways is of utmost importance.
One crucial aspect of road design is determining the slope of the road at specific points to ensure
the safety of vehicles and pedestrians. This paper focuses on utilizing basic concepts of calculus
to calculate the slope of a curved road and provide an equation for the tangent line at a given
location.
The problem at hand involves designing a curved road for a new highway near Liceo de Cagayan
University, with the objective of ensuring the safety of vehicles traveling on it and students passing
by. To achieve this, it is necessary to determine the slope of the road at a specific point. The
equation of the curve is given as y = 2x² + 3x - 1.
This paper demonstrates the application of calculus principles, such as derivatives and tangent
lines, in civil engineering. By utilizing these concepts, engineers can accurately determine the
slope of a curved road and design roadways that prioritize the safety of both vehicles and
pedestrians. The findings of this study contribute to the development of effective road designs near
educational institutions like Liceo de Cagayan University.
BASIC CONCEPTS BEING USED
The problem involves finding the slope of a curved road at a specific point to make sure it's safe
for vehicles and pedestrians. The slope at a specific location is determined using the curve's
equation. The road's steepness at that location is then determined by applying the formula for the
slope of a tangent line. At last, we're combining everything to produce the tangent line equation.
Thus, in essence, we are utilizing basic concepts of calculus to determine the road's steepness and
provide an equation for it.
The Basic Concepts used to this issue are:
dy
1. Calculus: Finding the slope of the curve at a given point (x = 2) by calculating derivatives
dx
2. Tangent Line: Calculating the slope of the tangent line to the curve at a given location by
applying the derivative.
3. Equation of a Line: The tangent line's equation can be found by applying the point-slope form
(y - y1 = m(x - x1)).
This problem illustrates the use of calculus ideas, such as derivatives and tangent lines, in civil
engineering to create effective and safe road designs that protect both cars and pedestrians,
including Liceo de Cagayan University students.
Problem:
As a civil engineer, you are designing a curved road for a new high way located across the bridge
near Liceo de Cagayan University. You need to determine the slope of the road at a specific point
in order to ensure the safety of vehicles traveling and students passing on it. The given information
it that the equation of the curve is y= 2x² + 3x-1.
SOLUTION: Slope of tangent line.
𝒅𝒚
= 4x +3
𝒅𝒙
𝒅𝒚
= 4(2) +3
𝒅𝒙
= 8+3
𝒅𝒚
= 11
𝒅𝒙
The slope of the road at x = 2 is 11.
Equation of tangent line:
y−y1 = m(x−x1)
y−y1 = 11(x-x1)
y−y1 = 11(x−2)
y−11 = 11x −22
y = 11x−11
ANSWER: The slope of the road at x = 2 is 11 and the equation of the tangent line at x=2 is
y=11x −11.