Modeling with

Quadratic Functions
Standards
HS.F-BF.A.1 Write a function that describes a relationship between
two quantities.
HS.S-ID.B.6a Fit a function to the data; use functions fitted to data to
solve problems in the context of the data.

Essential Question
How can you use a quadratic function to model a reallife situation?

Application Problem
Few drivers are aware of their speed before an accident.
Skid marks on pavement occur when the brakes are
applied forcefully which makes the wheels stop turning.
The distance covered from when the brakes are applied
to stopping is called the braking distance.

Application Problem
Use the collected data to make a scatterplot on the calculator.
Velocity
(miles per hour)
20
30
40
50
60
70

Braking
Distance
(feet)
17.78
40
71.11
111.11
160
217.78

Use velocities for the x-axis and braking distances for the y-axis.

Application Problem
Use linear regression to find a modeling function.

Is the linear function a good fit for the data?

Why or why not?

Application Problem
Use quadratic regression to find a modeling
function.

Which function is a better model for the data?

Why?

Application Problem
Use the function model to complete the table for
finding braking distances for different velocities.
Road Type

Velocity
(miles per
hour)
25

Business

35

Undivided highway

55

Divided highway

65

Interstate

75

Residential

Braking Distance
(feet)

Find a quadratic model

A model airplane flies in a parabolic path
t, Time h, height in feet
in
second
s

Find a function to model the path

Determine the height after 6.5 seconds

19.1

20.4

19.9

17.6

13.5