APPC 1.13-1.14 Notes Modeling Functions and Applications
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Raad Al-Shaikh MD JDAPPC 1.13-1.14 Notes Modeling Functions and Applications
Uploaded by
Raad Al-Shaikh MD JDNotes: (Topics 1.13 – 1.
14) Modeling Functions and Applications
The idea of modeling (also called regression) is a major component of the AP Precalculus curriculum and will be
revisited throughout the course. These topics will utilize the graphing calculators heavily and often include context.
In Unit 1, we will work with regression models for polynomial functions (linear, quadratic, cubic, and quartic) and for
rational functions.
Building Regression Models on the Graphing Calculator
Building a regression model on the graphing requires two steps:
1. Entering the data to be modeled
2. Selecting the regression model
Step 1: Press the “stat” button on the TI – 84 and select “1: Edit…” from the menu.
Enter the data into the lists with L1 = 𝑥 and L2 = 𝑦
Step 2: In the “stat” menu, arrow to the right to the “CALC” menu.
Select the desired regression model.
Note: There are 2 linear regression options: 4: LinReg (𝐚𝒙 + 𝐛) and 8: LinReg (𝐚 + 𝐛𝒙).
These two options are essentially equivalent – consider option 8 (AP Stats)
Use 𝐋𝟏 for Xlist: and 𝐋𝟐 for Ylist:
(𝐋𝟏 and 𝐋𝟐 are in blue above the “1” and “2” buttons: Press “2nd” and then “1” or “2”)
Tip: For Store RegEQ:, enter 𝐘𝟏. (Press “alpha” and then “trace” to select 𝐘𝟏)
Notes: Function Models and Applications Topics 1.13 – 1.14 Created by Bryan Passwater
𝑡
4 5 6 8 12
(age in weeks)
𝑊 (𝑡 )
4.2 4.4 4.8 5.1 5.7
(weight in kg)
Example 1: The age (in weeks) and weight (in kilograms) of 5 randomly selected babies from a particular pediatrician’s
office are listed in the table above.
A linear regression 𝑦 = 𝑎 + 𝑏𝑥 can be used to model these data, where 𝑦 is the predicted weight of a baby (in kg) that is
𝑥 weeks old.
a) Write the equation of the linear model for these data.
Enter data in L1 and L2 Select 8: LinReg (a + b𝑥 ) Enter L1, L2 and Y1 Get regression equation
𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐌𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐥: 𝑦 =
b) Using the linear model from part a), what is the predicted weight (in kilograms) of a baby that is 10 weeks old?
Tip: You can quickly find values of
functions that are saved in Y1 from the
home screen on the calculator.
c) The weight of a sixth baby is 5.3 kg. Using the model from part a), what is the age (in weeks) of this baby?
Selecting an Appropriate Model Type
While some problems will indicate which model should be used, you will also be expected to select an appropriate
model type based on a given table of values or by the context of the problem.
Linear Models: roughly constant rates of change
Quadratic Models: roughly linear rates of change or roughly symmetric with a single maximum/minimum or
context involving area
Cubic Models: context involving volume
Notes: Function Models and Applications Topics 1.13 – 1.14 Created by Bryan Passwater
Example 2: For each of the following situations, determine whether a linear, quadratic, or cubic model would be most
appropriate.
a) Balloons are filled with water in preparation for an epic water balloon battle. Each water balloon is roughly spherical.
The radius of each water balloon is measured relative to the amount of water it holds.
b) Totino’s pizzas are on sale at the local grocery store. The price of one pizza varies between $1.99 - $2.19 depending
on the variety. The total number of Totino’s pizzas are counted relative to the total price of the purchase.
c) A sprinkler is placed in a yard to water the grass. The sprinkler rotates in a circular pattern and waters all the grass
between the sprinkler head and the furthest distance it reaches. The radius of the circular path is measured relative to the
area watered by the sprinkler.
𝑥 0 0.4 0.9 1.2 1.7 2.2 2.9 3.4
𝑦 5 10.6 15.4 17.1 18.0 16.5 10.2 2.8
Example 3: The table above provides data for 8 ordered pairs (𝑥, 𝑦).
a) Which function type best models the data in the table: linear, quadratic, or cubic? Explain your answer using
characteristics from the data in the table.
b) Write the equation of the regression model for the data in the table.
Notes: Function Models and Applications Topics 1.13 – 1.14 Created by Bryan Passwater
Residuals (Topic 2.6)
When we use a model to predict values, we expect our model to produce values reasonably close to the actual values, but
our models are not expected to result in exact values generally. The difference between an actual value and the value
predicted by a model is called a residual.
𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐬
Residual = Actual Value − Predicted Value
Residual = 𝑦 − 𝑦̂
𝑡
4 5 6 8 12
(age in weeks)
𝑊
4.2 4.4 4.8 5.1 5.7
(weight in kg)
Example 4: Using the model from Example 1, what is the residual of the baby that is 5 weeks old? Interpret the
meaning of this value in the context of this problem.
Actual Value: Predicted Value:
Residual:
Interpretation:
Notes: Function Models and Applications Topics 1.13 – 1.14 Created by Bryan Passwater
