Directions: Follow the steps of this activity and fill out the blue boxes for each step.

There are 10 critical questions in red that you must answer to your best ability.

Data was collected for a natural phenomenon and we are going to hypothesize what the data
could be representing. We will find an equation that represents the data and see if this relates
to a common formula.

Step 1. First we are going to plot the data points to determine the type of equation we will be finding.
Plot the data on the graph provided. Draw gridlines with a pencil and ruler for a more accurate
graph
x y
0 6
0.1 7.84
0.2 9.36
0.3 10.56
0.4 11.44
0.5 12
0.6 12.24
0.7 12.16
0.8 11.76
0.9 11.04
1 10
1.1 8.64
1.2 6.96
1.3 4.96
1.4 2.64
1.5 0
1. Does the shape of this Answer:
plot look familiar?
2. How would you identify
this graph?
3. What examples of real
world occurrences can
you think of that might
represent this data?
*Analyze the data set – the
increments and start/stop
points. Analyze the shape of
the graph.
Step 2. Now plot the data in excel. Find an equation for the line by adding a trendline to the graph and
displaying the equation. (Hint: polynomial order 2)

Follow this link for detailed instructions on how to Add Best Fit Line/Curve And Formula.
Write the equation excel gave you with coefficients rounded to the nearest whole number:

4. Does this follow the standard form for quadratic equations 𝑦 = 𝑎𝑥 2 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐? If so, denitfy
the coeffiecents a, b, and c.

Answer:

Step 3. Factor the polynomials. Use the link if you need a Method For Simple Cases

Factored Form:
Please show
your work.

5. What can you inter from this form of the equation?

6. What actions would you take to solve for the x-intercepts?

Answer:
Step 4. Find the x-intercepts, y-intercept, and vertex from the two equations you have.

*Hint use this video on Finding features of quadratic functions

6. How could you verify you found the correct values?

Answer:

Step 5. Watch this video on The Science of Football

7. What is the main idea of the video?
8. Could our data represent a similar occurrence?

Answer:

Step 6. Watch this video on Vertical Motion . Now redefine your coefficients based on the information
you just learned.
9. Based on the video what can you infer from the coefficients of the equation in standard
form?
10. After watching this video what can you point out about the range and domain of the given
data?
11. Knowing what you know now, determine a situation where this use of quadratics would be
valuable.

Answer: