Word problem functions

If you plot y = -0.7x + 1.9, you'll see that it doesn't make sense for x < -2.5. Similarly, if you plot y = 0.7x + 1.9, you'll see that it doesn't make sense for x > 2.5. So, the x values that make sense for both equations are between -2.5 and 2.5. That's the domain. You're right that the range is 1.9 to 0. That's what the roof looks like. But we're not talking about the roof in this case. We're talking about the equations. And the
  • #1
Nelo
215
0

Homework Statement




Sloping roof : The diagram shows a set of coordinate axes superimposed on the cross section of a sloping roof of height h metres and width w metres. The equation of one half of the cross section is

y=-0.7x + 1.9

a) What is the equation of the other half of the cross section? 0.7x + 1.9
b) What is the height of the roof h? 1.9
c) What is the width of the roof, w, to the nearest tenth of a metre?
d) State the domain/range of the function that models each half of the roof.

How do i do part c and d?




Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



No idea where to even begin
 
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  • #2
Hi Nelo! :smile:

For c), what is the value of y at the two ends of the roof? And so what is the value of x ?

For d), just draw a graph, using the answers to a) b) and c). :wink:
 
  • #3
Nelo said:

Homework Statement




Sloping roof : The diagram shows a set of coordinate axes superimposed on the cross section of a sloping roof of height h metres and width w metres. The equation of one half of the cross section is

y=-0.7x + 1.9

a) What is the equation of the other half of the cross section? 0.7x + 1.9
b) What is the height of the roof h? 1.9
c) What is the width of the roof, w, to the nearest tenth of a metre?
d) State the domain/range of the function that models each half of the roof.

How do i do part c and d?




Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



No idea where to even begin

On c) you have two triangles that form the left and right halves of the roof. Use trig to calculate the lengths of the bases of those triangles.

On d), do you know what the domain and range of a function are?
 
  • #4
Dang it! TT strikes again! :biggrin:
 
  • #5
Nelo said:
c) What is the width of the roof, w, to the nearest tenth of a metre?
Find the x-intercepts of both equations. Then find the distance between the x-intercepts.
Nelo said:
d) State the domain/range of the function that models each half of the roof.
You should know the domain and range for lines. However, you are only interested in the line segments that form the roof. The x-intercept and the height (y-intercept) should give you a clue.

EDIT: Beaten to it by TWO! :biggrin:
 
  • #6
I solved the x intercepts as plusminus 2.714 x.x
 
  • #7
The x intercepts are plusminus 2.714, what do you mean find the distance between? like, 2.7 + 2.7 = 5.4 , so the width is 5.4m ?

for domain and range,

I just graph -0.6x + 1.9 (a line with a vertical compression of 0.6?) and reflected?

And the line 0.6x+1.9 being the f(x) and the top being a reflection on x axis?
 
  • #8
Nelo said:
The x intercepts are plusminus 2.714, what do you mean find the distance between? like, 2.7 + 2.7 = 5.4 , so the width is 5.4m ?

Looks reasonable.
 
  • #9
0.7 is 7/10 as a fraction, do i rise 7 run 10? how do i graph that x.x

also, does that mean that one equation taht represents height is this:

y= -0.7x + 1.9

and the other eq, that rep width is this?

y= 0.7x + 2.7 ?
 
Last edited:
  • #10
?? anyone?
 
  • #11
0.7 is 7/10 as a fraction, do i rise 7 run 10? how do i graph that x.x
You have the slope right. As far as graphing goes, just treat it like any other line. Also, keep in mind 3.5/5 = 7/10, so for every five units you travel right, you should travel 3.5 units up.
also, does that mean that one equation taht represents height is this:

y= -0.7x + 1.9
If that was the equation, the roof would be taller than 1.9 m if x was less than zero, correct? The height function should look like the roof itself, so what kind of function 'deflects' like the roof?
and the other eq, that rep width is this?

y= 0.7x + 2.7 ?
x=0 corresponds to the peak of the roof, right? If so, do you think that the width at the peak is 2.7 m?
 
  • #12
*sigh* I have no idea, I just need to memorize how to do these by tommorow I usually just follow the script, so far I still don't get what the equations are so i can graph them
 
  • #13
Nelo said:
*sigh* I have no idea, I just need to memorize how to do these by tommorow I usually just follow the script, so far I still don't get what the equations are so i can graph them

The equations are for two lines, using the form y(x) = mx + b. That looks familiar, right? What is the "m" term? What is the "b" term?

Just plot the two lines that you have specified:

y(x) = -0.7x + 1.9

y(x) = 0.7x + 1.9

Where do these two lines cross? Where do they intersect the y axis? Where do they intersect the x axis?
 
  • #14
um, the lines both cross at 1.9 on the y-axis and cross at -2.5 on the x-axis for the positive root... and at 2.5 for the reflected root
 
  • #15
um, the lines both cross at 1.9 on the y-axis and cross at -2.5 on the x-axis for the positive root... and at 2.5 for the reflected root
For the roof, the lines only make sense between were they intersect each other and where the intersect the x-axis. So, what x values 'make sense' for the lines?
 
  • #16
If they only make sense at the value they intersect at, then they are both going to have 1.9 and ones going to be -2.5 and one is going to be 2.5 , right?
 
  • #17
Not quite, but you have the right idea. The roof starts out at (-2.5, 0) and keeps going up until it hits the point (0, 1.9). So, for the equation that represents the left half of the roof (when it slopes upward), the only valid x values are between the x values of those two points. Does that make sense? (I'm not sure if I did a good job explaining it).

[EDIT] Also, I think it should be -2.7 instead of 2.5, since 1.9/0.7 = 2.7
 
  • #18
right... the roof starts and ends... the values between those points are only valid, like the triangle that is formed. how dose that help me though
 
  • #19
Well, let's keep thinking about the left side of the roof for now. The only valid x are -2.7<=x<=0. That's the domain, since the domain is the only x values a function makes sense on, so to speak. By the same token, the range is the only y values a function makes sense on. Can you see what the range is (what y values make sense for a roof?)
 
  • #20
Y values of roof are 0<==y==2
 
  • #21
Well, actually 1.9 instead of 2, but other than that, yeah, that's right (Don't look off your graph for the exact values; the equations are much more exact). That means that, for the part of the functions y = 0.7x + 1.9 (the left part of the root), the domain is [itex]-2.7\le x\le 0[/itex] and the range is [itex]0\le y \le 1.9[/itex]. Can you see how to do it for the right side of the roof, now?
 
  • #22
K, well i think i got it.
the two equations are

y(x) = -0.7x + 1.9

y(x) = 0.7x + 1.9


only looking at the triangle/roof it creates you determine the domain/range points... honostly, that wasnt even what i was asking i was just asking if the equations were right that just wasted like 45 minutes of my study time because the rest is simple

thank you though
 
  • #23
Sorry, I guess I though you were asking something different. . .
And you're welcome, of course.
 

What are word problem functions?

Word problem functions are mathematical equations or relationships that are described using words instead of symbols or numbers. They often involve real-life scenarios and require problem-solving skills to find a solution.

What is the purpose of solving word problem functions?

The purpose of solving word problem functions is to apply mathematical concepts and problem-solving strategies to real-life situations. It also helps to develop critical thinking skills and improve mathematical understanding.

What are some common types of word problem functions?

Some common types of word problem functions include linear functions, quadratic functions, exponential functions, and logarithmic functions. These functions can be used to model various real-life scenarios such as growth, decay, and optimization problems.

What strategies can be used to solve word problem functions?

Some strategies that can be used to solve word problem functions include: identifying key information, creating a diagram or graph, writing an equation or system of equations, and using trial and error. It is also important to understand the problem and break it down into smaller, more manageable steps.

How can I improve my skills in solving word problem functions?

To improve your skills in solving word problem functions, it is important to practice regularly and work on a variety of problems. You can also seek help from a teacher or tutor, and use online resources such as practice worksheets and interactive tutorials. It is also helpful to review and understand the underlying mathematical concepts involved in each type of function.

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