Subject Code: MATH 5 Differential Calculus

Module Code: 2.0 Review of Functions and Introduction to Limits

Lesson Code: 2.3.1 Functions as Models (Session 1 of 3)
Time Limit: 30 minutes

ATA
Components Tasks TAa b

Target After completing this module, you will have been able to: 1
● Write a linear function or a quadratic function that models a
situation.

Hook In lower Maths of the Philippine Science High School System 1

Mathematics Curriculum, we have studied different kinds of
functions and their properties. We use function for example to find
the maximum volume of a rectangular box or in finding the
minimum area of a garden. Writing functions to represent a
problem situation is referred to as mathematical modeling.
Mathematical models are used in the sciences such as biology,
engineering, and physics. It is also applied in other fields such as
economics, political science and even in sociology.

Ignite 16
Let us recall mathematical modeling using linear functions by
considering the following examples.

Example 1
A sidewalk vendor sells umbrellas at ₱150.00 per piece. How
much money would the vendor have after selling x pieces of
umbrellas?
Solution:
We represent the situation by 𝑦 = 150𝑥
where y is the total amount of money.
The situation represents a linear function of the form𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥.

Example 2
Lawrence received a gift of ₱500 from his Godmother. He plans to
buy a new bicycle. So, he decided to save money from his weekly
allowance. If he saves ₱100 per week, write a function that would
represent Lawrence saving after t weeks.

Solution:
𝑆(𝑡) = 100𝑡 + 500,
where t represents the number of weeks Lawrence had been
saving money.
The linear function in Example 2 is of the form 𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑏; b is
the y-intercept of the graph of the function.

Math 5|Page 1 of 6
In Math 2 of the PSHSS Mathematics Curriculum, we dealt with
quadratic functions that were used as models. We will recall them
now and will have more examples.

Example 3
One side of a rectangular garden is adjacent to the wall of a
building. If the garden is to be enclosed on three sides by 50 feet
of fencing material, determine the garden’s maximum possible
area.

Solution:

From the diagram, the sum of the lengths of the three sides is equal
to 50 feet. So, the equation is
𝑦 + 𝑥 + 𝑦 = 50.
Solving for y in terms of x we get
𝑦 + 𝑥 + 𝑦 = 50
⇒ 𝑥 + 2𝑦 = 50
50 − 𝑥
⇒ 𝑦=
2
We represent the area of the garden as
50!" 50"!" 2 1
𝐴(𝑥) = 𝑥𝑦 = 𝑥 / 2
0= 2
= 25𝑥 − 2 𝑥 2
Find the value of x using
# 4$%!# 2
𝑉(ℎ, 𝑘) ⇒ 𝑉 /− 2$ , 4$
0. But 𝑥 = ℎ, so we have
# 25
𝑥 = ℎ = − 2$ ⇒ 𝑥 = − 1 = 25.
2&! '
2
1 1 1
𝐴(𝑥) = 25𝑥 − 𝑥 2 = 25(25) − (25)2 = 625 − (625)
2 2 2
= 312.5
Hence, the maximum area is 312.5 sq. ft.

Example 4
A man throws a ball off the top of a building and records the height
of the ball at different times, as shown in the table.

Math 5|Page 2 of 6
 Height of a Ball

Time (s) Height (ft)

0 46

1 63

2 48

3 1
Table 1

a. Find a quadratic model for the data.

b. Use the model to estimate the height of the ball at 2.5
seconds.
c. What is the ball’s maximum height?
(Charles, et al, 2015)

Solution:
We are asked to find the quadratic model. So, we use the form
𝑦 = 𝑎𝑥 2 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐.
Use the ordered pair (0, 46) and substitute to the equation.
46 = 𝑎(0)2 + 𝑏(0) + 𝑐 ⇒ 𝑐 = 46 → (1)
Use (1, 63):
63 = 𝑎(1)2 + 𝑏(1) + 𝑐 ⇒ 𝑎 + 𝑏 + 𝑐 = 63 → (2)
Use (3,1):
1 = 𝑎(3)2 + 𝑏(3) + 𝑐 ⇒ 9𝑎 + 3𝑏 + 𝑐 = 1 → (3)

Using equation (2), substitute the value of c.

𝑎 + 𝑏 + 𝑐 = 63 ⇒ 𝑎 + 𝑏 + 46 = 63 ⇒ 𝑎 + 𝑏 = 17 → (4)
Using equation (3), substitute the value of c.
9𝑎 + 3𝑏 + 𝑐 = 1 ⇒ 9𝑎 + 3𝑏 + 46 = 1
⇒ 9𝑎 + 3𝑏 = −45 ⇒ 3𝑎 + 𝑏 = −15 → (5)
Subtract equation (4) from equation (5).
(3𝑎 + 𝑏) − (𝑎 + 𝑏) = (−15) − (17)
⇒ 2𝑎 = −32 ⇒ 𝑎 = −16
Find the value of b using equation (4).
𝑎 + 𝑏 = 17 ⇒ −16 + 𝑏 = 17 ⇒ 𝑏 = 33
Substitute values,
a. 𝑦 = −16𝑥 2 + 33𝑥 + 46, where x is the number of seconds
after release and y is the height in feet.
b. 𝑦 = −16(2.5)2 + 33(2.5) + 46 = 28.5ft
4$%!# 2 4(!16)(46)!(33)2
c. 4$
= 4(!16)
= 63.015625 ≈ 63ft

Math 5|Page 3 of 6
Navigate Let us check your understanding of the concept introduced. 6
Answer each of the following problems in your activity notebook.

1. Eugene is raising hybrid chickens to augment the family

income. The graph below shows the relationship between
the number of chickens n raised to the profit P gained.

a. In order to make a break-even profit, how many

chickens must be raised?
b. Eugene would like to have a profit ₱2000, how
many chickens must be raised?
c. How much profit will Eugene make if 55 chickens
will be raised?
d. How many chickens will result in a profit loss?
e. Express the function P in terms of n.

2. Two ships leave a port at the same time. Ship A sails due
north at a constant speed while Ship B sails due west at a
constant speed. After 2 hours, they are 64 km apart. If
Ship B sails 8 km/hr faster than ship A, find the speed of
the two ships in kilometers per hour. Write the answer as
a whole number.

3. A picture with dimensions 10 cm by 8 cm is drawn on a

rectangular cardboard leaving a border of uniform width x
cm.
a. Denote the area of the border in terms of the width
x
b. Given the graph below, find the value(s) of x if the
area of the border is 80 𝑐𝑚2 .

Math 5|Page 4 of 6
 Knot In summary, we have discussed today mathematical modeling for 2
two types of functions.
1. Linear Function
The model function for a linear function is of the form
𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑏
where m is the slope of the line, and b is the y-intercept.
The graph of a linear function is a line.

2. Quadratic Function
The model function for a quadratic function is of the form
𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑎𝑥 2 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐
where a, b, and c are real numbers.
The graph of a quadratic function is a parabola that opens
upward or downward.

Practice Exercises 4
1. A gravel dealer charges ₱500 plus ₱600 per cubic meter
for delivering a truckload of gravel. Express the total
cost 𝑇(𝑥) in pesos as a function of the number of cubic
meters delivered x. Find 𝑇(8).

2. Martha bought a rectangular bedsheet. When home, she

discovered that it is not fitted to her bed. So, she decided to
repair it by increasing the width of 10 inches and the length
to be 4 inches less than twice the original width. If the
original width was x inches long, write a model that
represents the area of the new bedsheet.

a
Time Allocation, in minutes, set by the teacher
b
Actual Time Allocation, in minutes, spent by the student (for information purposes only)

Math 5|Page 5 of 6
References/Internet Materials:

Charles, R., et.al. (2015). Algebra 2 (Common Core). Boston, Massachusetts: Pearson Education, Inc.

Leithold, L. (1996). The calculus 7. New York: HarperCollins Publishers, Inc.

Ong, A. (2001). Modules in Differential Calculus. Manila

CK-12 Foundation. (n.d.). Functions and Mathematical Models. Retrieved from

https://www.ck12.org/section/functions-and-mathematical-models-of-analyzing-functions/

1 Functions as models - Faculty. (n.d.). Retrieved from

https://faculty.nps.edu/rgera/current_classes/MA1113/Chapter1.pdf

William, M. (n.d.). Functions as Models. Retrieved from

http://wmueller.com/precalculus/models/3.html

Prepared by: Joseph L. Guadayo Reviewed by: Frederick F. Faz

Position: Special Science Teacher IV Position: Special Science Teacher II
Campus: PSHS-EVC Campus: PSHS-MRC

Math 5|Page 6 of 6