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Quadratic Model: Height of a Zero Gravity Parabolic Flight

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Have you ever wondered what it might feel like to float weightless in space? One way to try it out is to fly on a special aircraft that astronauts use to train for their trips to space. Both NASA and the Russian Space Agency have been flying these for years. The way this is accomplished is to fly to a high altitude, drop down to gain speed, and then start a large parabolic path up in the sky. For a time ranging from 10 to 20 seconds, along the top part of the parabolic flight, an environment simulating zero gravity is created within the plane. This effect can cause some nausea in the participants, giving rise to the name "Vomit Comet", the plane used by NASA for zero-G parabolic training flights. Currently there is a private company that will sell you a zero-G ride, though it is a bit expensive.

The Problem
This lab will have you look at the parabolic path to try to determine the maximum altitude the plane reaches. First, you will work with data given about the parabola to come up with a quadratic model for the flight. Then you will work to find the maximum value of the model. Now for the data:
Time (t) in seconds Height (h) in feet
2 23645
20 32015
40 33715

To find the quadratic model, you will be plugging the data into the model

h=at^2+bt+c.

The data points given are just like x and y values, where the x value is the time t in seconds and the y value is the altitude h in feet. Plug these into the model and you will get equations with a, b and c.

Modeling the Problem

Part 1: Write your 3 by 3 system of equations for a, b, and c.

Part 2: Solve this system. Make sure to show your work.

Part 3: Using your solutions to the system from part 2 to form your quadratic model of the data.

Part 4: Find the maximum value of the quadratic function. Make sure to show your work.

Part 5: Plot the parabola. Do this on an online graphing technology and copy and paste the results below. Label the given data plus the maximum point. A good way to start labeling your axes is to have the lower left point be (0, 20000)

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Solution Summary

This solution consists of details of solving a linear equation system for a quadratic model.

Solution provided by:
Education
  • BSc , Wuhan Univ. China
  • MA, Shandong Univ.
Recent Feedback
  • "Your solution, looks excellent. I recognize things from previous chapters. I have seen the standard deviation formula you used to get 5.154. I do understand the Central Limit Theorem needs the sample size (n) to be greater than 30, we have 100. I do understand the sample mean(s) of the population will follow a normal distribution, and that CLT states the sample mean of population is the population (mean), we have 143.74. But when and WHY do we use the standard deviation formula where you got 5.154. WHEN & Why use standard deviation of the sample mean. I don't understand, why don't we simply use the "100" I understand that standard deviation is the square root of variance. I do understand that the variance is the square of the differences of each sample data value minus the mean. But somehow, why not use 100, why use standard deviation of sample mean? Please help explain."
  • "excellent work"
  • "Thank you so much for all of your help!!! I will be posting another assignment. Please let me know (once posted), if the credits I'm offering is enough or you ! Thanks again!"
  • "Thank you"
  • "Thank you very much for your valuable time and assistance!"
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