Skateboard

Skateboard Ramp
Skateboard ramp
Level
Upper secondary
Mathematical Ideas
Quadratic functions
Description and Rationale

This activity has students experimenting with different quadratic functions to attempt to form
a suitable shape for a skateboard ramp. The graphics calculator offers the students an efficient
way of displaying a number of quadratic functions until they are satisfied while reinforcing
their knowledge of the effects of changing the coefficients of quadratic functions. The task, as
written for students is offered below.
The diagram below is a cross-section (side view) of a skateboard ramp.
1.5 m y 1.5 m
A B
2.0 m
ground 0.5 m V x
The aim of this investigation is to produce a quadratic function that models the shape of the
ramp from point A through V and up to point B. The x and y axes have been included in the
diagram to assist your model development. The top of the structure is 2 metres above ground
level. The vertex, V, of the parabola is 0.5 m above ground level. The width of the ramp is
dependent on your choice of model and will become known through your working.
There are three parts to this investigation.

Initially, you will set up a general equation for the parabola, then modification of this model
takes place by considering what shape and width you desire for your ramp. Finally, you refine
your model by considering how steep you want the drop to be from point A.
Page 48
Enhancing learning with a graphics calculator
Part One
The curved part of the cross-section shown above is the shape of a parabola, and can be
modelled by the quadratic function:
y = ax 2 + bx + c.
The vertex is labelled V on the diagram.
1. Using your knowledge of quadratic functions, what are the coordinates of V?

b2
2. Hence, show that c = .
4a
3. What are the coordinates of A?
 b2 
4. Hence show that c = 1.5 , and that the quadratic becomes y =   x 2 + bx + 1.5.
 6 
5. Use the symmetry properties of quadratics to find an expression for the coordinates of B
in terms of b .
6. Revise your coordinates for V from question 1 so that any expressions are in terms of b .
7. Write down your equation for y from question 4, and the points A, B and V in terms of b .
Part Two
Your aim is to model the skateboard ramp surface by altering the function y obtained in part
one. You should check the suitability of the equation by altering the value of b to produce
suitable positions for B and V. For instance, how far apart do you think A and B should be?
Continue through part two and you will answer these questions.
1. Given the information you have produced in question 7 above, and looking at the diagram,
what is the sign of b ? State is your reasoning for this decision?
2. Choose three values for b which you think may be suitable for this model.
[Hint: consider the choice of b and the coordinates of V and B]
3. For each value of b , define the function y in GRAPH mode of your graphics calculator.
4. You may prefer to plot all on the same set of axes, so use the colour choices to help
distinguish between each curve.
Before drawing the curves, ensure that your view window has sensible settings for your
situation. [Look at the diagram on page 1 to help you.]
To give you a more realistic idea of the shape of your curves select SHIFT F2 (ZOOM), then
F6 to see further options, then F2 (SQR). This will give you a view of the axes so that 1 unit
on the x axis is equivalent to 1 unit on the y axis.
Use the ZOOM to organize the axes so that you can see which curves model the ramp to your
liking.
If you need to investigate further values of b do so.

Remember to check the distance between A and B. Is the distance reasonable? If not, choose a
different b value until you are satisfied.
Choose three of your “best” b values and discuss and sketch the shape of your skateboard
ramp model.
Now choose one of these values of b that models the skateboard ramp to your liking and
record it. Write the equation for y, and the points for A,V and B.
Page 49
Skateboard Ramp
Part Three
Further refinement of the model:
To refine your model you will investigate how steep you want the surface to be from A.
Look at the diagram on page 1. The point C is a small distance away from A.
Let us say the x coordinate of C is 0.5.
Find the y coordinate of C using your equation for y chosen in question 5 (part two).
A close up of the region near A and C looks like this:
A (0, 1.5)
C (0.5, y)
Assume that AC is close to being a straight line. Then angle ø is the angle of descent.
Use right-angled trigonometry to calculate ø to the nearest degree for your model chosen in
part two question 5.
If this is not steep enough (the angle of descent should be larger than 50˚) try another b value
from Part two question 4 and record your calculations for ø. Keep doing this until you are
satisfied with your model.
The final model

Write down your model for the cross-section of the skateboard ramp, including the
coordinates of A, B and V, and the angle of descent from point A.
Draw a scale diagram of your model.
Comment on any parts of the ramp that may still be inappropriate. Suggest another type of
function that may be useful to model a skateboard ramp.
Page 50

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Skateboard Ramp

Description and Rationale

The diagram below is a cross-section (side view) of a skateboard ramp.

There are three parts to this investigation.

The vertex is labelled V on the diagram.

1. Using your knowledge of quadratic functions, what are the coordinates of V?

If you need to investigate further values of b do so.

The final model

Draw a scale diagram of your model.

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