Question

Graphing Polynomials - PLEASE HELP

I have to design a roller coaster with at least four equations of polynomials. I have the first equation as y = 4x3 + 9x2 + 2x + 5 But I'm not sure how to add more to make it look like a roller coaster. I only have down two equations and it looks like this:

http://25.media.tumblr.com/79766b3f378c80b61686f6bd9f8eb310/tumblr_mia5z907hD1rv3dpeo1_500.png

Can anyone help me figure out how to make the lines in the graph to look like a roller coaster?

Answer 1

just take sinx!it will not be funny but it will be a rollcoaster!!

Answer 2

what is sinx!it?

Answer 3

i still have to find 4 polynomial equations, so i wouldn't be able to just draw it. im just not sure how im supposed to write the equations out.

Answer 4

You got to make sure the functions join up.... if you don't know anything about restricting domains (x-values) then you have no chance of doing this activity. Ask you teacher for more help! If you do know how to restrict domains and write the notation then just check that they have the same y-values where the polynomial functions meet (or you could make them jump!!!!). This is a brilliant activity and if I had more time I would do it myself. I will definitely do it at some point though. Good luck.

Answer 5

i know about x and y values and the polynomials, it's just the joining them up part that i can't figure out.

Answer 6

I suggest multiplying four simple polynomials together. Each with relatively small coefficients. Try things like
\[f(x)=2x ^{2}+3x ^{1/2}-x/3]
\[f(x)=e ^{-0.2x}*\sin(x)\]
multiply these together and stick them into wolfram alpha and see what you get!

Answer 7

This is what you get if you multiply those two functions together: http://www.wolframalpha.com/input/?i=%282x+%5E%282%29%2B3x+%5E%281%2F2%29-x%2F3%29%28e%5E%28-.2x%29*sin%28x%29%29%28cot%28x%29%29