Asst 3 Orientation

course Mth 163

end program?????x????^????v

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assignment #001

001. typewriter notation

qa initial problems

01-13-2007

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10:23:51

`q001. Explain the difference between x - 2 / x + 4 and (x - 2) / (x + 4). The evaluate each expression for x = 2.

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RESPONSE -->

The order of operations is different. In the 1st problem you divide first. In the 2nd problem you do the math in parenthesis before dividing.

x - 2 / x + 4

2 - 2 / 2 + 4

2 - 1 + 4

1 + 4 = 5

(x - 2) / (x + 4)

(2 - 2) / (2 + 4)

0 / 6 = 0

confidence assessment: 2

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10:28:48

The order of operations dictates that grouped expressions must be evaluated first, that exponentiation must be done before multiplication or division, which must be done before addition or subtraction.

It makes a big difference whether you subtract the 2 from the x or divide the -2 by 4 first. If there are no parentheses you have to divide before you subtract. Substituting 2 for x we get

2 - 2 / 2 + 4

= 2 - 1 + 4 (do multiplications and divisions before additions and subtractions)

= 5 (add and subtract in indicated order)

If there are parentheses you evaluate the grouped expressions first:

(x - 2) / (x - 4) = (2 - 2) / ( 4 - 2) = 0 / 2 = 0.

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RESPONSE -->

I wrote the second problem down as (x-2) / (x+4) which accounts for the difference in the last problem.

Otherwise, I understand the order of operations. I wasn't sure whether you subtract or add first in the problem 2-1+4, but now I understand that you should add and subtract the way the problem is written.

self critique assessment: 2

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10:32:43

`q002. Explain the difference between 2 ^ x + 4 and 2 ^ (x + 4). Then evaluate each expression for x = 2.

Note that a ^ b means to raise a to the b power. This process is called exponentiation, and the ^ symbol is used on most calculators, and in most computer algebra systems, to represent exponentiation.

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RESPONSE -->

In the 1st problem, 2 is raised to the 2nd power and then 4 is added. In the 2nd problem, 2 is rasied to the 6th because x+4 is in parenthesis.

2 ^ x + 4

2 ^ 2 + 4

4 + 4 = 8

2 ^ (x + 4)

2 ^ (6) = 64

confidence assessment: 2

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10:33:54

2 ^ x + 4 indicates that you are to raise 2 to the x power before adding the 4.

2 ^ (x + 4) indicates that you are to first evaluate x + 4, then raise 2 to this power.

If x = 2, then

2 ^ x + 4 = 2 ^ 2 + 4 = 2 * 2 + 4 = 4 + 4 = 8.

and

2 ^ (x + 4) = 2 ^ (2 + 4) = 2 ^ 6 = 2*2*2*2*2*2 = 64.

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RESPONSE -->

I understand that they are different because of the parenthesis.

self critique assessment: 2

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10:54:04

`q003. What is the numerator of the fraction in the expression x - 3 / [ (2x-5)^2 * 3x + 1 ] - 2 + 7x? What is the denominator? What do you get when you evaluate the expression for x = 2?

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RESPONSE -->

Numerator: x - 3

Denominator: [ (2x-5)^2 * 3x + 1 ]

x - 3 / [ (2x-5)^2 * 3x + 1 ] - 2 + 7x

2 - 3 / ( (4-5)^2 * 6 + 1) - 2 + 14

-1 / (-1^2 * 6 + 1) - 2 + 14

-1 / (1 * 6 + 1) - 2 + 14

-1 / 7 - 2 + 14

-.14 - 2 + 14

=11.86

confidence assessment: 0

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11:03:17

The numerator is 3. x isn't part of the fraction. / indicates division, which must always precede subtraction. Only the 3 is divided by [ (2x-5)^2 * 3x + 1 ] and only [ (2x-5)^2 * 3x + 1 ] divides 3.

If we mean (x - 3) / [ (2x-5)^2 * 3x + 1 ] - 2 + 7x we have to write it that way.

The preceding comments show that the denominator is [ (2x-5)^2 * 3x + 1 ]

Evaluating the expression for x = 2:

- 3 / [ (2 * 2 - 5)^2 * 3(2) + 1 ] - 2 + 7*2 =

2 - 3 / [ (4 - 5)^2 * 6 + 1 ] - 2 + 14 = evaluate in parenthese; do multiplications outside parentheses

2 - 3 / [ (-1)^2 * 6 + 1 ] -2 + 14 = add inside parentheses

2 - 3 / [ 1 * 6 + 1 ] - 2 + 14 = exponentiate in bracketed term;

2 - 3 / 7 - 2 + 14 = evaluate in brackets

13 4/7 or 95/7 or about 13.57 add and subtract in order.

The details of the calculation 2 - 3 / 7 - 2 + 14:

Since multiplication precedes addition or subtraction the 3/7 must be done first, making 3/7 a fraction. Changing the order of the terms we have

2 - 2 + 14 - 3 / 7 = 14 - 3/7 = 98/7 - 3/7 = 95/7.

COMMON STUDENT QUESTION: ok, I dont understand why x isnt part of the fraction? And I dont understand why only the brackets are divided by 3..why not the rest of the equation?

INSTRUCTOR RESPONSE: Different situations give us different algebraic expressions; the situation dictates the form of the expression.

If the above expression was was written otherwise it would be a completely different expression and most likely give you a different result when you substitute.

If we intended the numerator to be x - 3 then the expression would be written (x - 3) / [(2x-5)^2 * 3x + 1 ] - 2 + 7x, with the x - 3 grouped.

If we intended the numerator to be the entire expression after the / the expression would be written x - 3 / [(2x-5)^2 * 3x + 1 - 2 + 7x ].

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RESPONSE -->

I messed up by considering the x as part of the numerator. I now understand it should not have been a part of the numerator because it was not in parenthesis.

After reading the explaination, I now understand the order of operations and how you came to the correct answer.

self critique assessment: 2

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11:16:20

`q004. Explain, step by step, how you evaluate the expression (x - 5) ^ 2x-1 + 3 / x-2 for x = 4.

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RESPONSE -->

(x - 5) ^ 2x-1 + 3 / x-2

Replace all x's with 4's

(4 - 5) ^ 2(4)-1 + 3 / (4)-2

Solve for parenthesis

(-1) ^ 2(4)-1 + 3 / (4) - 2

Solve for exponents

1 (4) - 1 + 3 / (4) - 2

Do multiplication and division

4 - 1 + .75 - 2

Do addition and subtraction as written

=1.75

confidence assessment: 0

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11:21:18

We get

(4-5)^2 * 4 - 1 + 3 / 1 - 4

= (-1)^2 * 4 - 1 + 3 / 4 - 2 evaluating the term in parentheses

= 1 * 4 - 1 + 3 / 4 - 2 exponentiating (2 is the exponent, which is applied to -1 rather than multiplying the 2 by 4

= 4 - 1 + 3/4 - 2 noting that 3/4 is a fraction and adding and subtracting in order we get

= 1 3/4 = 7 /4 (Note that we could group the expression as 4 - 1 - 2 + 3/4 = 1 + 3/4 = 1 3/4 = 7/4).

COMMON ERROR:

(4 - 5) ^ 2*4 - 1 + 3 / 4 - 2 = -1 ^ 2*4 - 1 + 3 / 4-2 = -1 ^ 8 -1 + 3 / 4 - 2.

INSTRUCTOR COMMENTS:

There are two errors here. In the second step you can't multiply 2 * 4 because you have (-1)^2, which must be done first.?Exponentiation precedes multiplication. ?

Also it isn't quite correct to write -1^2*4 at the beginning of the second step. If you were supposed to multiply 2 * 4 the expression would be (-1)^(2 * 4).?

Note also that the -1 needs to be grouped because the entire expression (-1) is taken to the power.?-1^8 would be -1 because you would raise 1 to the power 8 before applying the - sign, which is effectively a multiplication by -1.?......!!!!!!!!...................................

RESPONSE -->

I understand the orders of operation, although your uneven spacing in the original problem makes it confusing.

self critique assessment: 2

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11:22:41

*&*& Standard mathematics notation is easier to see. On the other hand it's very important to understand order of operations, and students do get used to this way of doing it.

You should of course write everything out in standard notation when you work it on paper.

It is likely that you will at some point use a computer algebra system, and when you do you will have to enter expressions through a typewriter, so it is well worth the trouble to get used to this notation.

Indicate your understanding of the necessity to understand this notation.

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RESPONSE -->

Its important to be able to read and translate both typewriter notation as well as the normal notation to know how to do the problems correctly

self critique assessment: 2

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]??g???8`??|?????

assignment #002

002. Describing Graphs

qa initial problems

01-13-2007

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12:54:12

`q001. You will frequently need to describe the graphs you have constructed in this course. This exercise is designed to get you used to some of the terminology we use to describe graphs. Please complete this exercise and email your work to the instructor. Note that you should do these graphs on paper without using a calculator. None of the arithmetic involved here should require a calculator, and you should not require the graphing capabilities of your calculator to answer these questions.

Problem 1. We make a table for y = 2x + 7 as follows: We construct two columns, and label the first column 'x' and the second 'y'. Put the numbers -3, -2, -1, -, 1, 2, 3 in the 'x' column. We substitute -3 into the expression and get y = 2(-3) + 7 = 1. We substitute -2 and get y = 2(-2) + 7 = 3. Substituting the remaining numbers we get y values 5, 7, 9, 11 and 13. These numbers go into the second column, each next to the x value from which it was obtained. We then graph these points on a set of x-y coordinate axes. Noting that these points lie on a straight line, we then construct the line through the points.

Now make a table for and graph the function y = 3x - 4.

Identify the intercepts of the graph, i.e., the points where the graph goes through the x and the y axes.

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RESPONSE -->

y Intercept: (-4, 0)

x Intercept: (0, 1.3)

confidence assessment: 2

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12:59:04

The graph goes through the x axis when y = 0 and through the y axis when x = 0.

The x-intercept is therefore when 0 = 3x - 4, so 4 = 3x and x = 4/3.

The y-intercept is when y = 3 * 0 - 4 = -4. Thus the x intercept is at (4/3, 0) and the y intercept is at (0, -4).

Your graph should confirm this.

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RESPONSE -->

I mixed up the numbers and wrwote (y,x) rather than (x,y), but I understand that y=0 for the x intercept and x=0 for the y intercept.

self critique assessment: 2

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13:29:08

`q002. Does the steepness of the graph in the preceding exercise (of the function y = 3x - 4) change? If so describe how it changes.

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RESPONSE -->

It is a straight line so it cant change steepness

confidence assessment: 0

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13:30:16

The graph forms a straight line with no change in steepness.

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RESPONSE -->

If the steepness changed, it would not be a straight line.

self critique assessment: 2

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13:43:28

`q003. What is the slope of the graph of the preceding two exercises (the function ia y = 3x - 4;slope is rise / run between two points of the graph)?

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RESPONSE -->

Coordinates: (-1, -7) and (-2, -10)

m = (y2 - y1) / (x2 - x1)

m = (-7 - (-10)) / (-1 - (-2))

m= 3/1

confidence assessment: 2

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13:45:56

Between any two points of the graph rise / run = 3.

For example, when x = 2 we have y = 3 * 2 - 4 = 2 and when x = 8 we have y = 3 * 8 - 4 = 20. Between these points the rise is 20 - 2 = 18 and the run is 8 - 2 = 6 so the slope is rise / run = 18 / 6 = 3.

Note that 3 is the coefficient of x in y = 3x - 4.

Note the following for reference in subsequent problems: The graph of this function is a straight line. The graph increases as we move from left to right. We therefore say that the graph is increasing, and that it is increasing at constant rate because the steepness of a straight line doesn't change.

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RESPONSE -->

I understand that it requires finding the coordinates and using the slope formula.

self critique assessment: 2

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13:58:55

`q004. Make a table of y vs. x for y = x^2. Graph y = x^2 between x = 0 and x = 3.

Would you say that the graph is increasing or decreasing?

Does the steepness of the graph change and if so, how?

Would you say that the graph is increasing at an increasing rate, increasing at a constant rate, increasing at a decreasing rate, decreasing at an decreasing rate, decreasing at a constant rate, or decreasing at a decreasing rate?

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RESPONSE -->

The graph is increasing.

The graph is becomming more steep as it moves from left to right.

The graph is increasing at an increasing rate

confidence assessment: 2

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14:00:49

Graph points include (0,0), (1,1), (2,4) and (3,9). The y values are 0, 1, 4 and 9, which increase as we move from left to right.

The increases between these points are 1, 3 and 5, so the graph not only increases, it increases at an increasing rate

STUDENT QUESTION: I understand increasing...im just not sure at what rate...how do you determine increasing at an increasing rate or a constant rate?

INSTRUCTOR RESPONSE: Does the y value increase by the same amount, by a greater amount or by a lesser amount every time x increases by 1?

In this case the increases get greater and greater. So the graph increases, and at an increasing rate. *&*&.

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RESPONSE -->

I graphed the points and noted that the Y points were increasing by 1,2, 5, 7... and came to the correct conclusion.

self critique assessment: 2

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14:04:11

`q005. Make a table of y vs. x for y = x^2. Graph y = x^2 between x = -3 and x = 0.

Would you say that the graph is increasing or decreasing?

Does the steepness of the graph change and if so, how?

Would you say that the graph is increasing at an increasing rate, increasing at a constant rate, increasing at a decreasing rate, decreasing at an decreasing rate, decreasing at a constant rate, or decreasing at a decreasing rate?

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RESPONSE -->

The graph is decreasing.

The steepness becomes less steep as the graph moves left to right.

The graph is decreasing at a decreasing rate.

confidence assessment: 3

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14:04:39

From left to right the graph is decreasing (points (-3,9), (-2,4), (-1,1), (0,0) show y values 9, 4, 1, 0 as we move from left to right ). The magnitudes of the changes in x from 9 to 4 to 1 to 0 decrease, so the steepness is decreasing.

Thus the graph is decreasing, but more and more slowly. We therefore say that the graph is decreasing at a decreasing rate.

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RESPONSE -->

I understand this problem just like the last one.

self critique assessment: 2

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14:12:02

`q006. Make a table of y vs. x for y = `sqrt(x). [note: `sqrt(x) means 'the square root of x']. Graph y = `sqrt(x) between x = 0 and x = 3.

Would you say that the graph is increasing or decreasing?

Does the steepness of the graph change and if so, how?

Would you say that the graph is increasing at an increasing rate, increasing at a constant rate, increasing at a decreasing rate, decreasing at an decreasing rate, decreasing at a constant rate, or decreasing at a decreasing rate?

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RESPONSE -->

The graph is increasing.

The graph is becomming less steep as it moves from left to right.

The graph is increasing at a decreasing rate.

confidence assessment: 3

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14:12:52

If you use x values 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 you will obtain graph points (0,0), (1,1), (2,1.414), (3. 1.732), (4,2). The y value changes by less and less for every succeeding x value. Thus the steepness of the graph is decreasing.

The graph would be increasing at a decreasing rate.

If the graph respresents the profile of a hill, the hill starts out very steep but gets easier and easier to climb. You are still climbing but you go up by less with each step, so the rate of increase is decreasing.

If your graph doesn't look like this then you probably are not using a consistent scale for at least one of the axes. If your graph isn't as desribed take another look at your plot and make a note in your response indicating any difficulties.

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RESPONSE -->

I understand

self critique assessment: 3

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14:17:30

`q007. Make a table of y vs. x for y = 5 * 2^(-x). Graph y = 5 * 2^(-x) between x = 0 and x = 3.

Would you say that the graph is increasing or decreasing?

Does the steepness of the graph change and if so, how?

Would you say that the graph is increasing at an increasing rate, increasing at a constant rate, increasing at a decreasing rate, decreasing at an decreasing rate, decreasing at a constant rate, or decreasing at a decreasing rate?

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RESPONSE -->

The graph is decreasing.

The graph is becomming less steep as it moves left to right.

The graph is decreasing at a decreasing rate.

confidence assessment: 3

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14:19:13

** From basic algebra recall that a^(-b) = 1 / (a^b).

So, for example:

2^-2 = 1 / (2^2) = 1/4, so 5 * 2^-2 = 5 * 1/4 = 5/4.

5* 2^-3 = 5 * (1 / 2^3) = 5 * 1/8 = 5/8. Etc.

The decimal equivalents of the values for x = 0 to x = 3 will be 5, 2.5, 1.25, .625. These values decrease, but by less and less each time.

The graph is therefore decreasing at a decreasing rate. **

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RESPONSE -->

I forgot to show my math work, but plugged 0, 1, 2, and 3 into the equation y=5*2^(-x) to find the y coordinates. I understand the problem.

self critique assessment: 2

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14:23:13

`q008. Suppose you stand still in front of a driveway. A car starts out next to you and moves away from you, traveling faster and faster.

If y represents the distance from you to the car and t represents the time in seconds since the car started out, would a graph of y vs. t be increasing or decreasing?

Would you say that the graph is increasing at an increasing rate, increasing at a constant rate, increasing at a decreasing rate, decreasing at an decreasing rate, decreasing at a constant rate, or decreasing at a decreasing rate?

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RESPONSE -->

The graph would be increasing because both the time and distance are increasing.

The graph is increasing but we don't know at what rate because we are not given numbers.

confidence assessment: 2

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14:24:45

** The speed of the car increases so it goes further each second. On a graph of distance vs. clock time there would be a greater change in distance with each second, which would cause a greater slope with each subsequent second. The graph would therefore be increasing at an increasing rate. **

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RESPONSE -->

That makes sense that since the car goes further each second, we don't need to know exactly how fast it is going. The rate will increase no matter what.

self critique assessment: 2

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Your self-critiques have been correct and complete. The choices given by the program might or might not cover this situation, but in such a case you should use 3.

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assignment #003

003. PC1 questions

qa initial problems

01-13-2007

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18:29:30

`q001 A straight line connects the points (3, 5) and (7, 17), while another straight line continues on from (7, 17) to the point (10, 29). Which line is steeper and on what basis to you claim your result?

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RESPONSE -->

Slope formula: m= (y2 - y1) / (x2 - x1)

m1= (17 - 5) / (7 - 3) = 12 / 4 = 3

m2 = (29 - 17) / (10 - 7) = 12 / 3 = 4

The second line has a slope of 4 which is greater than the first line's slope of 3. The greater the slope value, the steeper the slope.

confidence assessment: 2

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18:30:22

The point (3,5) has x coordinate 3 and y coordinate 5. The point (7, 17) has x coordinate 7 and y coordinate 17. To move from (3,5) to (7, 17) we must therefore move 4 units in the x direction and 12 units in the y direction.

Thus between (3,5) and (7,17) the rise is 12 and the run is 4, so the rise/run ratio is 12/4 = 3.

Between (7,10) and (10,29) the rise is also 12 but the run is only 3--same rise for less run, therefore more slope. The rise/run ratio here is 12/3 = 4.

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RESPONSE -->

I understand

self critique assessment: 3

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18:38:26

`q002. The expression (x-2) * (2x+5) is zero when x = 2 and when x = -2.5. Without using a calculator verify this, and explain why these two values of x, and only these two values of x, can make the expression zero.

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RESPONSE -->

(x-2) * (2x+5)

(2-2) * (2(2)+5)

0 * (4+5) = 0

(x-2) * (2x+5)

(-2.5 -2) * (2(-2.5)+5)

(-4.5) * (-5+5) = 0

Each of these values for x makes one side of the equation equal to 0, so that when multiplied by the other side of the equation, the answer will be 0.

No other number can make one side of the equation equal to 0. Neither can any other number make the entire equation = 0.

confidence assessment: 2

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18:40:31

If x = 2 then x-2 = 2 - 2 = 0, which makes the product (x -2) * (2x + 5) zero.

If x = -2.5 then 2x + 5 = 2 (-2.5) + 5 = -5 + 5 = 0.which makes the product (x -2) * (2x + 5) zero.

The only way to product (x-2)(2x+5) can be zero is if either (x -2) or (2x + 5) is zero.

Note that (x-2)(2x+5) can be expanded using the Distributive Law to get

x(2x+5) - 2(2x+5). Then again using the distributive law we get

2x^2 + 5x - 4x - 10 which simplifies to

2x^2 + x - 10.

However this doesn't help us find the x values which make the expression zero. We are better off to look at the factored form.

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RESPONSE -->

I understand the concept that one side must =0. I didn't use the distributive law and don't really know why its included in this explaination.

That was included as a note, additional information which worth understanding now and storing away because it's going to be relevant later.

self critique assessment: 2

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18:45:01

`q003. For what x values will the expression (3x - 6) * (x + 4) * (x^2 - 4) be zero?

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RESPONSE -->

At least one of the parenthesis must equal 0 inorder for the entire expression to equal 0.

x=2 would make (3x - 6) = 0 or (x^2-4) = 0

x=4 would make (x + 4) = 0

x=-2 would make (x^2-4) = 0

So the values 2, 4, or -2 for x would make the equation 0.

confidence assessment: 2

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18:46:42

In order for the expression to be zero we must have 3x-6 = 0 or x+4=0 or x^2-4=0.

3x-6 = 0 is rearranged to 3x = 6 then to x = 6 / 3 = 2. So when x=2, 3x-6 = 0 and the entire product (3x - 6) * (x + 4) * (x^2 - 4) must be zero.

x+4 = 0 gives us x = -4. So when x=-4, x+4 = 0 and the entire product (3x - 6) * (x + 4) * (x^2 - 4) must be zero.

x^2-4 = 0 is rearranged to x^2 = 4 which has solutions x = + - `sqrt(4) or + - 2. So when x=2 or when x = -2, x^2 - 4 = 0 and the entire product (3x - 6) * (x + 4) * (x^2 - 4) must be zero.

We therefore see that (3x - 6) * (x + 4) * (x^2 - 4) = 0 when x = 2, or -4, or -2. These are the only values of x which can yield zero.**

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RESPONSE -->

I think I made a typo and accidently typed in 4, but I had -4 written down on my scratch paper along with 2 and -2.

I understand they must each = 0

self critique assessment: 2

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18:59:41

`q004. One straight line segment connects the points (3,5) and (7,9) while another connects the points (10,2) and (50,4). From each of the four points a line segment is drawn directly down to the x axis, forming two trapezoids. Which trapezoid has the greater area? Try to justify your answer with something more precise than, for example, 'from a sketch I can see that this one is much bigger so it must have the greater area'.

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RESPONSE -->

Find the area by breaking the trapezoid into a rectangle and a triangle and adding their area's together. Area of Rectangle= B*H. Area of Triangle = (B*H) / 2.

Trapezoid 1:

4*5= 20 (rectangle area)

4*4 = 16/2 = 8 (triangle area)

20 + 8 = 28

Trapezoid 2:

40*2 = 80 (rectangle area)

40*2 = 80/2 = 40 (triangle area)

80 + 40 = 120

Trapezoid 2 has a greater area

confidence assessment: 2

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19:01:47

Your sketch should show that while the first trapezoid averages a little more than double the altitude of the second, the second is clearly much more than twice as wide and hence has the greater area.

To justify this a little more precisely, the first trapezoid, which runs from x = 3 to x = 7, is 4 units wide while the second runs from x = 10 and to x = 50 and hence has a width of 40 units. The altitudes of the first trapezoid are 5 and 9,so the average altitude of the first is 7. The average altitude of the second is the average of the altitudes 2 and 4, or 3. So the first trapezoid is over twice as high, on the average, as the first. However the second is 10 times as wide, so the second trapezoid must have the greater area.

This is all the reasoning we need to answer the question. We could of course multiply average altitude by width for each trapezoid, obtaining area 7 * 4 = 28 for the first and 3 * 40 = 120 for the second. However if all we need to know is which trapezoid has a greater area, we need not bother with this step.

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RESPONSE -->

I did the math to find the area so it would be more precise.

self critique assessment: 3

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19:19:30

* `q005. Sketch graphs of y = x^2, y = 1/x and y = `sqrt(x) [note: `sqrt(x) means 'the square root of x'] for x > 0. We say that a graph increases if it gets higher as we move toward the right, and if a graph is increasing it has a positive slope. Explain which of the following descriptions is correct for each graph:

As we move from left to right the graph increases as its slope increases.

As we move from left to right the graph decreases as its slope increases.

As we move from left to right the graph increases as its slope decreases.

As we move from left to right the graph decreases as its slope decreases.

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RESPONSE -->

As we move from left to right the graph increases as its slope increases.

Graph 1

As we move from left to right the graph decreases as its slope increases.

None

As we move from left to right the graph increases as its slope decreases.

Graph 3

As we move from left to right the graph decreases as its slope decreases.

Graph 2

self critique assessment: 1

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19:29:32

For x = 1, 2, 3, 4:

The function y = x^2 takes values 1, 4, 9 and 16, increasing more and more for each unit increase in x. This graph therefore increases, as you say, but at an increasing rate.

The function y = 1/x takes values 1, 1/2, 1/3 and 1/4, with decimal equivalents 1, .5, .33..., and .25. These values are decreasing, but less and less each time. The decreasing values ensure that the slopes are negative. However, the more gradual the decrease the closer the slope is to zero. The slopes are therefore negative numbers which approach zero.

Negative numbers which approach zero are increasing. So the slopes are increasing, and we say that the graph decreases as the slope increases.

We could also say that the graph decreases but by less and less each time. So the graph is decreasing at a decreasing rate.

For y = `sqrt(x) we get approximate values 1, 1.414, 1.732 and 2. This graph increases but at a decreasing rate.

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RESPONSE -->

I didn't plug in negative numbers for the graphs which I should have done. I'm not following this:

"" Negative numbers which approach zero are increasing. So the slopes are increasing, and we say that the graph decreases as the slope increases. ""

Everything else makes sense

self critique assessment: 2

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23:56:57

`q006. If the population of the frogs in your frog pond increased by 10% each month, starting with an initial population of 20 frogs, then how many frogs would you have at the end of each of the first three months (you can count fractional frogs, even if it doesn't appear to you to make sense)? Can you think of a strategy that would allow you to calculate the number of frogs after 300 months (according to this model, which probably wouldn't be valid for that long) without having to do at least 300 calculations?

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RESPONSE -->

x # of frogs +x(.10)

20 +20(.10) = 22 after 1 month

22 +22(.10) = 24.2 after 2 months

24.2 +24.2(.10) =26.62 after 3 months

x +x(.10) *300 =# of frogs after 300 months

confidence assessment: 0

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00:02:04

At the end of the first month, the number of frogs in the pond would be (20 * .1) + 20 = 22 frogs. At the end of the second month there would be (22 * .1) + 22 = 24.2 frogs while at the end of the third month there would be (24.2 * .1) + 24.2 = 26.62 frogs.

The key to extending the strategy is to notice that multiplying a number by .1 and adding it to the number is really the same as simply multiplying the number by 1.1. 10 * 1.1 = 22; 22 * 1.1 = 24.2; etc.. So after 300 months you will have multiplied by 1.1 a total of 300 times. This would give you 20 * 1.1^300, whatever that equals (a calculator will easily do the arithmetic).

A common error is to say that 300 months at 10% per month gives 3,000 percent, so there would be 30 * 20 = 600 frogs after 30 months. That doesn't work because the 10% increase is applied to a greater number of frogs each time. 3000% would just be applied to the initial number, so it doesn't give a big enough answer.

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RESPONSE -->

I understand the first three months involves multiplying the number of frogs by 10%.

I could see that there was a pattern as the number of frogs was increasing the first three months, but had no idea how to extend the strategy to 300 months. I see how you came up with 20*1.1^300, but I would have never come up with that on my own.

self critique assessment: 2

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00:08:28

`q007. Calculate 1/x for x = 1, .1, .01 and .001. Describe the pattern you obtain. Why do we say that the values of x are approaching zero? What numbers might we use for x to continue approaching zero? What happens to the values of 1/x as we continue to approach zero? What do you think the graph of y = 1/x vs. x looks for x values between 0 and 1?

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RESPONSE -->

The equation equals a larger number as x decreases.

1/1=1

1/.1=10

1/.01=100

1/.001=1000

The values of x are decreasing, so therefor they will continue to be smaller and closer to 0 and futher from 1.

The values of 1/x increase as we continue to approach 0.

The graph of y = 1/x vs. x would decrease at a decreasing rate.

confidence assessment: 2

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00:10:12

If x = .1, for example, 1 / x = 1 / .1 = 10 (note that .1 goes into 1 ten times, since we can count to 1 by .1, getting.1, .2, .3, .4, ... .9, 10. This makes it clear that it takes ten .1's to make 1.

So if x = .01, 1/x = 100 Ithink again of counting to 1, this time by .01). If x = .001 then 1/x = 1000, etc..

Note also that we cannot find a number which is equal to 1 / 0. Deceive why this is true, try counting to 1 by 0's. You can count as long as you want and you'll ever get anywhere.

The values of 1/x don't just increase, they increase without bound. If we think of x approaching 0 through the values .1, .01, .001, .0001, ..., there is no limit to how big the reciprocals 10, 100, 1000, 10000 etc. can become.

The graph becomes steeper and steeper as it approaches the y axis, continuing to do so without bound but never touching the y axis.

This is what it means to say that the y axis is a vertical asymptote for the graph .

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RESPONSE -->

I understand this concept, although I didn't include that values of 1/x increase with bound or thatt the graph will never touch the y axis.

self critique assessment: 2

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00:20:41

* `q008. At clock time t the velocity of a certain automobile is v = 3 t + 9. At velocity v its energy of motion is E = 800 v^2. What is the energy of the automobile at clock time t = 5?

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RESPONSE -->

E = 800 v^2

E = 800 (3(5)+9)^2

E = 800 (24)^2

E = 800 * 576

E = 460,800

self critique assessment: 0

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00:21:55

For t=5, v = 3 t + 9 = (3*5) + 9 = 24. Therefore E = 800 * 24^2 = 460800.

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RESPONSE -->

The only reason I felt unsure was because it seemed like a big number. But I understand it.

self critique assessment: 2

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00:24:03

* `q009. Continuing the preceding problem, can you give an expression for E in terms of t?

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RESPONSE -->

My program is acting up. When I click next question, it has come up blank twice, so I have to click it again.

E = 800 (3T+9)^2

self critique assessment: 0

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00:24:56

Since v = 3 t + 9 the expression would be E = 800 v^2 = 800 ( 3t + 9) ^2. This is the only answer really required here.

For further reference, though, note that this expression could also be expanded by applying the Distributive Law:.

Since (3t + 9 ) ^ 2 = (3 t + 9 ) * ( 3 t + 9 ) = 3t ( 3t + 9 ) + 9 * (3 t + 9) = 9 t^2 + 27 t + 27 t + 81 = 9 t^2 + 54 t + 81, we get

E = 800 ( 9 t^2 + 54 t + 81) = 7200 t^2 + 43320 t + 64800 (check my multiplication because I did that in my head, which isn't always reliable).

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RESPONSE -->

That was so easy, I thought there was more to it.

self critique assessment: 3

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Your work on this assignment is very good. See my notes, and note that most of your self-critiques would (per one of my notes) be 3's. Let me know if you have questions.