IB Math SL: Applications and Interpretations Unit 3: Functions and Modeling

Unit 3: Functions and Modeling

IB Math: Applications and Interpretations SL

3.1 Quadratics ......................................................................................................................................................... 2

3.1 Quadratics Homework ...................................................................................................................................... 5
3.2 Quadratic and Cubic Modelling ........................................................................................................................ 7
3.2 Quadratic Modelling Homework .................................................................................................................... 10
3.3 Exponential Growth and Decay ...................................................................................................................... 12
3.3 Exponential Growth and Decay Homework ................................................................................................... 14
3.4 Direct and Inverse Variation ........................................................................................................................... 17
3.4 Direct and Inverse Variation Homework ........................................................................................................ 19
3.5 Graphing Sine and Cosine .............................................................................................................................. 22
3.5 Graphing Sine and Cosine Homework ........................................................................................................... 23
3.6 Sin and Cos Graph Applications ..................................................................................................................... 24

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IB Math SL: Applications and Interpretations Unit 3: Functions and Modeling

3.1 Quadratics
Goal: Understand how to find the vertex, x-intercepts, y-intercept, max or min, axis of symmetry, and
change from one form of a quadratic function to another form.

Function Notation 2
Quadratic Form f : x  ax + bx + c
y = f(x)
● Find y-intercept (0,c)
−b
x=
● Find x-coordinate of vertex or axis of symmetry 2a
Vertex (h, k) ● Could potentially factor to find x-intercepts
“turning point”

−b
h=
2a

Axis/Line of Symmetry

−b
x=
2a

Max or Min (y-coordinate)

Examples:
 −b 
f 
k =  2a 

Quadratic Formula

−𝑏𝑏 ± √𝑏𝑏 2 − 4𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎

𝑥𝑥 =
2𝑎𝑎

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IB Math SL: Applications and Interpretations Unit 3: Functions and Modeling

Completed Square Form (Vertex Form) 𝑓𝑓(x) = a(x − h)2 + k

● Find vertex (h, k), line of symmetry x = h

● Find max or min k

Examples:

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IB Math SL: Applications and Interpretations Unit 3: Functions and Modeling

Factorised Form 𝑓𝑓(x) = a(x − p)(x − q)

● Find x-intercepts (roots/zeros) (p, 0) and (q, 0)

p+q
x=
● Line of symmetry is in the middle of the zeros 2

Examples:

Find the equation for the axis of symmetry: 𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥) = (𝑥𝑥 − 2)2 − 1. Sketch this function.

Recall – PlySmlt2

1) Find the roots of the 𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥) = 𝑥𝑥 2 − 3𝑥𝑥 + 1

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IB Math SL: Applications and Interpretations Unit 3: Functions and Modeling

3.1 Quadratics Homework

1)

2)

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IB Math SL: Applications and Interpretations Unit 3: Functions and Modeling

3)

4)

SPIRAL REVIEW

5)

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IB Math SL: Applications and Interpretations Unit 3: Functions and Modeling

3.2 Quadratic and Cubic Modelling

Polynomials and their Graphs

Linear function: 𝑦𝑦 = 𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 + 𝑏𝑏

Quadratic function: 𝑦𝑦 = 𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 2 + 𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏 + 𝑐𝑐

Cubic function: 𝑦𝑦 = 𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 3 + 𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏 2 + 𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐 + 𝑑𝑑

For each comment on whether the leading coefficient, a, is positive of negative.

Parameters Method

Write the equation for the parabola, using the points (1, −3), (3, −1), (4, 6)

1) Find the parameters a, b, and c by substituting the coordinate of the

points:

2) Solve the system of equations, using the ____________ app on your GDC.

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IB Math SL: Applications and Interpretations Unit 3: Functions and Modeling

Examples

1) You want to build an enclosure for your sheep, with the following dimensions (where x is in
meters).
𝑙𝑙 = 3𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥 = 𝑥𝑥 − 3

Write an equation for the area (in meters squared) of the enclosure, in the form
𝐴𝐴(𝑥𝑥) = 𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 2 + 𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏 + 𝑐𝑐

a. The enclosure has an area of 30 m2. Calculate the value of x.

b. What are the dimensions of the enclosure? (length AND width)

2)

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IB Math SL: Applications and Interpretations Unit 3: Functions and Modeling

3)

4)

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IB Math SL: Applications and Interpretations Unit 3: Functions and Modeling

3.2 Quadratic Modelling Homework

1. The diagram shows the graph of the quadratic function 𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥) = 𝑎𝑎𝑥𝑥 2 + 𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏 + 𝑐𝑐 , with vertex (−2, 10).

The equation 𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥) = 𝑘𝑘 has two solutions. One of these solutions is 𝑥𝑥 = 2.

1a. Write down the other solution of 𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥) = 𝑘𝑘. [2 marks]

1b. Complete the table below placing a tick (✔) to show whether the unknown parameters 𝑎𝑎 and 𝑏𝑏 are positive, zero or
negative. The row for 𝑐𝑐 has been completed as an example. [2 marks]

1c. State the values of 𝑥𝑥 for which 𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥) is decreasing. [2 marks]

2a. Consider the quadratic function 𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥) = 𝑎𝑎𝑥𝑥 2 + 𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏 + 22. The equation of the line of symmetry of the graph 𝑦𝑦 = 𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥) 𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖 𝑥𝑥 =
1.75. Using only this information, write down an equation in terms of a and b. [1 mark]

2b. The graph intersects the x-axis at the point (−2 , 0). Using this information, write down a second equation in terms of a and b.
[1 mark]

2c. Hence find the value of a and of b. [2 marks]

2d. The graph intersects the x-axis at a second point, P. Find the x-coordinate of P. [2 marks]

3. The braking distance of a vehicle is defined as the distance travelled from where the brakes are applied to the point where the
vehicle comes to a complete stop.

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IB Math SL: Applications and Interpretations Unit 3: Functions and Modeling
The speed, 𝑠𝑠 𝑚𝑚 𝑠𝑠 −1, and braking distance, 𝑑𝑑 𝑚𝑚, of a truck were recorded. This information is summarized in the following table.

This information was used to create Model A, where 𝑑𝑑 is a function of 𝑠𝑠, 𝑠𝑠 ≥ 0.

Model A: 𝑑𝑑(𝑠𝑠) = 𝑝𝑝𝑠𝑠 2 + 𝑞𝑞𝑞𝑞, where 𝑝𝑝, 𝑞𝑞 ∈ 𝑍𝑍

At a speed of 6 𝑚𝑚 𝑠𝑠 −1 , Model A can be represented by the equation 6𝑝𝑝 + 𝑞𝑞 = 2.

3a. Write down a second equation to represent Model A, when the speed is 10 𝑚𝑚 𝑠𝑠 −1 . [2 marks]

3b. Find the values of 𝑝𝑝 and 𝑞𝑞. [2 marks]

3c. Find the coordinates of the vertex of the graph of 𝑦𝑦 = 𝑑𝑑(𝑠𝑠). [2 marks]

3d. Using the values in the table and your answer to part (b), sketch the graph of 𝑦𝑦 = 𝑑𝑑(𝑠𝑠) for 0 ≤ 𝑠𝑠 ≤ 10 and −10 ≤ 𝑑𝑑 ≤ 60,
clearly showing the vertex. [3 mark

3e. Hence, identify why Model A may not be appropriate at lower speeds. [1 mark]

3f. Additional data was used to create Model B, a revised model for the braking distance of a truck.

Model B: 𝑑𝑑(𝑠𝑠) = 0.95𝑠𝑠 2 − 3.92𝑠𝑠

Use Model B to calculate an estimate for the braking distance at a speed of 20 𝑚𝑚 𝑠𝑠 −1 . [2 marks]

3g. The actual braking distance at 20 𝑚𝑚 𝑠𝑠 −1 is 320 𝑚𝑚. Calculate the percentage error in the estimate in part (e). [2 marks]

3h. It is found that once a driver realizes the need to stop their vehicle, 1.6 seconds will elapse, on average, before the brakes
are engaged. During this reaction time, the vehicle will continue to travel at its original speed.

A truck approaches an intersection with speed 𝑠𝑠 𝑚𝑚 𝑠𝑠 −1 . The driver notices the intersection’s traffic lights are red and they must
stop the vehicle within a distance of 330 𝑚𝑚.

Using model B and taking reaction time into account, calculate the maximum possible speed of the truck if it is to stop before the
intersection. [3 marks]

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IB Math SL: Applications and Interpretations Unit 3: Functions and Modeling

3.3 Exponential Growth and Decay

Exponential Growth and Decay Functions

A simple exponential model, with parameters a & b, may have the form:
● 𝑦𝑦 = 𝑎𝑎(𝑏𝑏)𝑥𝑥 , if ______________________________

● 𝑦𝑦 = 𝑎𝑎(𝑏𝑏)−𝑥𝑥 if ______________________________

(assuming b>1)

Sometimes the model, with parameters a & k, is in the form:

● 𝑦𝑦 = 𝑎𝑎(𝑒𝑒)𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘 , where y ________________ if k>0

y ________________ if k<0

The population P, at time, t, is given by: 𝑃𝑃 = 𝑃𝑃0 𝑒𝑒 𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘 .

A Review of Exponential Function Graphs

𝑦𝑦 = 𝑎𝑎(𝑏𝑏)𝑥𝑥 + 𝑐𝑐

H.A.:

Range:

y-int:

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IB Math SL: Applications and Interpretations Unit 3: Functions and Modeling

Examples
1. Suppose that the exponential function, 𝑦𝑦 = 𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘 has the y-intercept (0, 25) and passes through
the point (5, 100). Write an equation that models this information.

2. The mass, m, of a radio-active substance at time, t hours, is given by: 𝑚𝑚 = 4𝑒𝑒 −𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘
a. The mass is 1 kg after 5 hours. Find k.

b. What is the mass after 3 hours?

c. The mass reduces to a half after t hours. Find t.

3. The population P after t years is given by 𝑃𝑃 = 1000𝑒𝑒 −0.2𝑡𝑡 + 500.

a. Find the initial population.

b. Find when the population drops below 600. Give your answer the nearest year.

4.

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IB Math SL: Applications and Interpretations Unit 3: Functions and Modeling

3.3 Exponential Growth and Decay Homework

1)

2)

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IB Math SL: Applications and Interpretations Unit 3: Functions and Modeling

3)

4)

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IB Math SL: Applications and Interpretations Unit 3: Functions and Modeling

3.4 Direct and Inverse Variation

Direct Variation:

𝑦𝑦 ∝ 𝑥𝑥

The relation 𝑦𝑦 = 𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘 𝑛𝑛 shows a _______________________ between (a power of) x and y:

when x increases then y increases as well.

Notice:

If 𝑦𝑦 = 𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘 we say y is (directly) proportional to x.

If 𝑦𝑦 = 𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘 2 we say y is (directly) proportional to the square of x.

Indirect Variation:

1
𝑦𝑦 ∝
𝑥𝑥

𝑘𝑘
The relation 𝑦𝑦 = 𝑥𝑥 𝑛𝑛 shows a _______________________ between (a power of) x and y:
when x increases then y decreases.

Notice:
𝑘𝑘
If 𝑦𝑦 = 𝑥𝑥 we say y is inversely proportional to x.

𝑘𝑘
If 𝑦𝑦 = 𝑥𝑥 2 we say y is inversely proportional to the square of x.

Examples

1. P is proportional to the cube of Q.

a. Find the relation if we know that 𝑃𝑃 = 5 when 𝑄𝑄 = 2.

b. Suppose that 𝑃𝑃 = 𝑘𝑘𝑄𝑄 𝑛𝑛 . Find the relation if we know that 𝑃𝑃 = 6.4 when 𝑄𝑄 = 2 and 𝑃𝑃 = 48.6
when 𝑄𝑄 = 3

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IB Math SL: Applications and Interpretations Unit 3: Functions and Modeling

2. The intensity of 5G radiation varies inversely with the square of the distance.
Let 𝐼𝐼 = 𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼 (𝑊𝑊𝑚𝑚−2 ), 𝑥𝑥 = 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 (𝑚𝑚)
If the intensity of radiation is 200 𝑊𝑊𝑚𝑚−2 at a distance of 10 m away from a 5G tower, what is the
intensity at a distance of 40 m?

3. May 2024 Paper 1 #10

When studying big cats, researchers use a model in which mass (m kilograms) of an animal is
directly proportional to the cube of its shoulder height (h meters).

A cheetah has a mass of 64 kg and shoulder height of 0.8 meters.

a. (i) Use the model to find an expression for m in terms of h. [2 marks]

(ii) Hence find the mass of a different cheetah, with a shoulde height of 0.75 meters. [2
marks]

‘Rubner’s law’ states that the energy need of an animal (E) are directly proportional to the square
of h.

The energy needs of a lion of mass 220 kg are k times the energy needs of a cheetah of mass 64 kg.

b. Find the value of k. [4 marks]

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IB Math SL: Applications and Interpretations Unit 3: Functions and Modeling

3.4 Direct and Inverse Variation Homework

1.

2.

3.

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IB Math SL: Applications and Interpretations Unit 3: Functions and Modeling

4.

5.

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IB Math SL: Applications and Interpretations Unit 3: Functions and Modeling

SPIRAL REVIEW

6.

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IB Math SL: Applications and Interpretations Unit 3: Functions and Modeling

3.5 Graphing Sine and Cosine

Sine Function:

Cosine Function:

Example: Graph one period of y = 3 sin 2x

1
Example: Graph one period of 𝑦𝑦 = 4 𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐 𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐 2 𝜃𝜃

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IB Math SL: Applications and Interpretations Unit 3: Functions and Modeling

3.5 Graphing Sine and Cosine Homework

Use an appropriate scale; be sure to label the axes and include all key features in your graph.
1
1. Graph one period of:𝑦𝑦 = 5 𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠 𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠 (45𝑥𝑥) 2. Graph one period of: 𝑦𝑦 = 15 𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐 𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐 �3 𝑥𝑥�
Amplitude: Period: Amplitude: Period:
Range: Range:

1
3. Graph one period of: 𝑦𝑦 = −15 𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠 𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠 �2 𝑥𝑥� − 10 4. Graph one period of: 𝑦𝑦 = 2𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐 (30𝑥𝑥)
Amplitude: Period: Amplitude: Period:
Range: Range:

2
5. Graph one period of: 𝑦𝑦 = 3 𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠 𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠 �3 𝑥𝑥� 6. Graph one period of: 𝑦𝑦 = −
𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐 𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐 (3𝑥𝑥) − 2
Amplitude: Period: Amplitude: Period:
Range: Range:

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IB Math SL: Applications and Interpretations Unit 3: Functions and Modeling

3.6 Sin and Cos Graph Applications

1.

2.

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IB Math SL: Applications and Interpretations Unit 3: Functions and Modeling

3.

4.

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IB Math SL: Applications and Interpretations Unit 3: Functions and Modeling

6.

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