Name ______________________________________________

Date _____________________ Hour _________

Action Figure Bungee Jump

Task: Today you will create a mathematical model, or equation, relating the distance (in cm) an Action Figure will fall and the number of rubber bands making up the bungee cord. You will then use your equation to determine the distance the figure will fall with a specified number of rubber bands and the number of rubber bands needed to perform a bungee jump from a specific height. Materials: An Action Figure, several rubber bands, a ruler or tape measure

Part I: Data Collection

In this part of the activity, you will be gathering a set of data. After this data is collected, you will graph it on the graph paper provided and find the line of best fit. Step 1: Tie one rubber band to the Action Figure. Use the entire rubber band to tie it securely around its foot. This rubber band is not included in the count of rubber bands. This one is used to secure the jump. Step 2: Take a new rubber band. Now you will start keeping a record of the number of rubber bands used. Attach the new rubber band around the Action Figures foot. Step 3: Hold the end of the rubber band on a stationary surface, such as your desk. Step 4: Let the Action Figure fall off the table. Do not throw it off, and hold the rubber band tight so that it does not slip. Look for the point where the head of the Action Figure lands (the farthest point). Step 5: Use the ruler or tape measure and find out how far the Action Figure fell in centimeters. Step 6: Record the number of rubber bands used and the distance the Action Figure fell in the table provided.

Step 7: Repeat Steps 1-6 with additional rubber bands, adding one rubber band at a time. You may have to move to a higher location when the Action Figure begins to go a farther distance.

Action Figure Bungee Jump Data

Number of Rubber Bands Used for Bungee Cord Distance the Action Figure Fell (cm)

Part II: Graphing the Data

Use the graph paper provided to make a scatter plot of your data. Remember to give your scatter plot a title and label the axes.

Part III: Determining the Equation

1. On your scatter plot, draw a line that you think best represents the data. 2. Explain why you believe that the line you drew best represents the data.

3. Estimate your r-value based on your scatter plot. R-value: 4. Calculate the slope of your line. You will need to find two of the following in order to do so: ( ____ , ____ ) point on your line You only need to find 2 of ( ____ , ____ ) point on your line these 3! y-intercept= 5. Write the equation of your line in slope-intercept form. slope=

6. What do y, b, x, and m represent in this situation? (In other words, what are the realworld meanings of each number and variable in your equation?)

7. Convert the equation of your line to standard form.

Part IV: Analyzing Your Data

1. a) Based on your model, how far would your Action Figure fall if you used a bungee cord consisting of 40 rubber bands? b) What if you used 33 rubber bands?

2. How many rubber bands would you need to get your Action Figure to fall exactly 289 cm? Remember, the Action Figure cannot touch the ground!!

3. Was your answer to Question 2 a whole number? ___________ Does a non-whole number make sense for this answer? __________________ Explain: ___________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ 4. Based on your model, how many rubber bands would you need to get your Action Figure to fall exactly 4 meters?

Part V: Using a Regression Tool to Find an Equation

1. Make a scatter plot of your data on your graphing calculator. 2. Use linear regression on your graphing calculator to find the r-value and the linear function that models the pattern in your data (line of best fit). Round any values to the nearest hundredth. R-value: Equation: y =

3. According to your linear regression equation, how far would your Action Figure fall if you used a bungee cord consisting of 40 rubber bands?

4. According to your linear regression equation, how many rubber bands would you need to get your Action Figure to fall exactly 4 meters?

5. Compare your answer to Question 4 with your answer to Part IV: Question 4. Explain why your two answers are similar or different.

6. Display the graph of your line of best fit on your scatter plot. Compare it to the best-fit line you created in Part III. Compare your r-value with your estimate from Part III and your regression line with your line from Part III. What is similar or different about them? Explain why you think this is so.