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CALCULUS FOLIO TASK

INTRODUCTION
Differential calculus has many real-life applications, ranging from calculating optimal building size to optimum quote of
products that should be made in a factory to the optimal speed of a racing car. In this report, some of these situations
and applications will be investigated. In Part 1, a model of a rocket cars displacement will be used to determine the
velocity, acceleration and the motion of the car. In Part 2, a situation with the cost and optimum speed of a truck will be
investigated. In Part 3, which will be an individual report, graphing technology will be used to investigate the
relationship between Top Fuel Dragsters, world-record breaking Jet cars, and high-performance Streetcars.

PART 1: ROCKET CAR DISPLACEMENT

A rocket cars displacement was modelled by the following function:
() = 4 3 + 16 2 + 12
Using this displacement function, the cars velocity and acceleration at a point can be found, and the cars motion can be
modelled. It is known that the first derivative of a displacement function represents its velocity, and the second
derivative represents the acceleration. Using first principles, those can be found.
Figure 1: First principles calculation, deriving the displacement model.
( + ) = 4( + )3 + 16( + )2 + 12( + )
= 4( 3 + 3 2 + 32 + 3 ) + 16( 2 + 2 + 2 ) + 12 + 12
= 4 3 12 2 122 43 + 16 2 + 32 + 162 + 12 + 12
(4 3 12 2 122 43 + 16 2 + 32 + 162 + 12 + 12) (4 3 + 16 2 + 12)
() = lim

4 3 12 2 122 43 + 16 2 + 32 + 162 + 12 + 12 + 4 3 16 2 12
= lim

2
2
3
2
12 12 4 + 32 + 16 + 12
= lim

2
2
(12 12 4 + 32 + 16 + 12)
= lim

= lim 12 2 12 42 + 32 + 16 + 12 ,
=0

= 12 2 12(0) 4(0)2 + 32 + 16(0) + 12

() = () = 12 2 + 32 + 12
Figure 2: First principles calculation, deriving the velocity model.
() = 12 2 + 32 + 12
( + ) = 12( + )2 + 32( + ) + 12
= 12( 2 + 2 + 2 ) + 32 + 32 + 12
= 12 2 24 122 + 32 + 32 + 12
(12 2 24 122 + 32 + 32 + 12) (12 2 + 32 + 12)
() = lim

12 2 24 122 + 32 + 32 + 12 + 12 2 32 12

= lim

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24 122 + 32

= lim

(24 12 + 32)

= lim 24 12 + 32,
=0
= lim

= 24 12(0) + 32
() = () = 24 + 32
The proof for these expressions can be found in Appendix A.
The time where there is a change in displacement and change in velocity can be found by finding the values of t when
() = 0 and () = 0, which is where the critical values for the functions occur. Critical values indicate local maximum
and local minimum.
Figure 3: Calculation of a critical value for the velocity model.
() = 0,
0 = 12 2 + 32 + 12
= 4(3 2 8 3)
= 4(3 2 9 + 3)
= 4(3( 3) + ( 3))
= 4( 3)(3 + 1)
3 = 0 3 + 1 = 0
1
= 3 =
3
1

3
Figure 4: Calculation of a critical value for the acceleration model.
() = 24 + 32 2
() = 0,

0 = 24 + 32
24 = 32
32 4
=
=
24 3
The sign diagrams for velocity and acceleration can now be drawn. The calculations for the sign diagrams can be found in
Appendix B.
Figure 5: Sign diagrams for velocity and acceleration. Refer to Appendix D for graph.

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From the sign diagrams, several pieces of information can be determined to build a motion diagram later. The velocity of
4

the rocket car is increasing when 0 < < 3 = 1.3333 . At = 3 , the rocket car is at a local maximum (it is a
maximum and not a minimum, because the graph changes from increasing to decreasing). The velocity of the car begins
4

decreasing when > 3 , and it doesnt stop decreasing. The cars maximum velocity can be found by using = 3
in the velocity model.
Figure 6: Calculation of the maximum velocity, using the critical point for the acceleration model.
() = 12 2 + 32 + 12 1
4
4 2
4
( ) = 12 ( ) + 32 ( ) + 12
3
3
3
16
128
= 12 ( ) +
+ 12
9
3
192 128
=
+
+ 12
9
3

192 + 384 + 108

9
300
=
9
4
1
( ) = 33
3
3
=

33

1
3.6 = 120
3

It is known that the car turns around at 3 seconds, because that is when there is a critical point in the velocity model and
the graph becomes convex, meaning that the rocket car is going from positive/right direction to negative/left direction
(Figure 5). The displacement of the rocket car at that point can be calculated.
Figure 7: Calculation of the displacement when velocity was 0 metres per second (turning point).
(3) = 4(3)3 + 16(3)2 + 12(3)
= 4(27) + 16(9) + 36
= 108 + 144 + 36
(3) = 72
Using the information calculated, a motion diagram for the path of the motor car can be drawn. This is done by finding
the displacement from origin at different times by entering time into the equation.
Figure 8: Example of calculation for the motion graph.
() = 4 3 + 16 2 + 12
(0) = 4(0)3 + 16(0)2 + 12(0)
= 0
Repeats of these calculations for other values can be found in the Appendix C.
Figure 9: A motion diagram for the movement of a rocket car

The rocket car begins travelling at a positive velocity with a positive acceleration, which means the speed increasing,
4

until = 3 where it reaches a critical value in the acceleration model. It reaches a local maximum (refer to

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4

Appendix D), which means it has reached a maximum velocity of 33.333 m/s (120 km/h). Between 3 < < 3 , the speed
of the rocket car being slowing down, because the acceleration becomes negative while the velocity is positive. At =
3 , the speed and the velocity becomes 0 m/s while the acceleration remains negative. This causes the rocket car to
turn around and travel with a negative velocity and negative acceleration, which means the speed is increasing. As
, () , () 1 , () 2 . The motion at = 4 reflects that. The displacement at = 4 is 48
metres, which is less than at = 3 . The velocity of the rocket car is (4) = 52 1 and acceleration is (4) =
64 2 (calculations can be found in Appendix E).

Discussion
There are several factors that affect the reasonableness of this model. This model does not account for any other type of
factors, such as friction of road and fuel. Obviously the rocket car would lose energy to friction and slow down. Similarly,
there may be weather conditions, such as wind, that will affect its velocity.

PART 2: COST OF ADELAIDE-SYDNEY TRUCK

In Part 2, a freight truck travelling from Adelaide to Sydney and its cost/speed relationship will be analysed. The truck
travels 1400 km at a constant speed of 110 km/h with 7 km/L efficiency, however, loses 0.1 km/L efficiency for each
km/h increase in speed. The costs include diesel, which is $1.35/L, truck drivers wage of $30/hour, and the truck
maintenance and repairs ($12/hour). Using this information, the cost of the trip when travelling at 110km/h can be
found.
Figure 10: Cost of trip when speed in 110 km/h.
=
=

1400

110

1400
=

= 200

$30 1400
(
)

110
$12 1400
=
(
)

110

= 200

$1.35

= (200 1.35) + 30

1400
1400
+ 12
110
110

= $804.55

Using the mathematics from Figure 10, an expression for the formula can be created.
Figure 11: Construction of an expression/formula for the model.
1400

1400
= $12

1400
= $1.35

= 7 (0.1)( 110)
= $30

It is known that at 110 km/h, the fuel efficiency is 7 km/L, and that 0.1 km/L is lost for every 1 km/h gained; therefore, 111 km/h
speed would have 6.9 km/L efficiency, etc. Therefore, whatever the difference in speed is, multiplied by 0.1km/h is the loss in fuel
efficiency. If that value is taken from 7, the fuel efficiency of the speed is calculated.

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1400
1400
1400
+ 12
+ 1.35

7 0.1( 110)
1400
1400
(30 + 12) + 1.35
=

7 0.1 + 11
1400(42) 1400(1.35)
=
+

18 0.1
1400(42(18 0.1)) + (1400(1.35))
=
(18 0.1)
1400(756 4.2 + 1.35)
=
(18 0.1)
1400(756 2.85)
=
(18 0.1)
= 30

Using differentiation, the critical points can be found and the optimal speed to minimise costs can be calculated. This is
done by making the derivative of C(x) equal to 0, because that is when a local maximum occurs and a peak is formed.
Figure 12: Finding the derivative of the cost/speed model.
() =

() 1400(756 2.85)
=
()
(18 0.1)

() = 1400 2.85
() = 18 0.1 + (0.1) = 18 0.2
() =

1400(2.85)(18 0.1) 1400(756 2.85)(18 0.2)

2

((18 0.1))

1400((2.85)(18 0.1) (756 2.85)(18 0.2))

2

((18 0.1))
=

1400(51.3 + 0.285 2 (13608 151.2 51.3 + 0.57 2 ))

2

((18 0.1))

1400(0.57 2 + 0.285 2 51.3 + 51.3 + 151.2 13608)

2

((18 0.1))

() =

1400(0.285 2 + 151.2 13608)

2

((18 0.1))

Figure 13: Calculation of the critical points and optimal speed.

() = 0,
1400(0.285 2 + 151.2 13608)
0=
2
((18 0.1))
0 = 1400(0.285 2 + 151.2 13608)
0 = 0.285 2 + 151.2 13608
2 4
= 0.285, = 151.2, = 13608
2
151.2 (151.2)2 4(0.285)(13608)
=
2(0.285)
=

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151.2 22801 15512.12
0.57
151.2 7287.88
=
0.57
151.2 85.369
=
0.57
=

151.2 85.369
0.57
= 415.03
= 415 /

151.2 + 85.369
0.57
= 115.49
= 115 /

Using these critical values, a sign diagram can be constructed (refer to Appendix F for calculations).
Figure 14: Sign diagram for a cost/speed motel.

As seen in Figure 14, when = 115 / there is a local minimum. At = 415 /, a local maximum occurs. The local
minimum is the optimum speed for the truck to minimise operating costs, even though that if > 415 / the cost is
decreasing. This is because a speed of 415 km/h or more is unreasonable for a truck to travel, and is very
unlikely/impossible that a truck could reach that speed. Thus, the optimal speed to minimise costs is 115 km/h. The cost
to travel from Adelaide to Sydney at a constant speed of 115 km/h can be calculated.
Figure 15: Cost to travel Adelaide-Sydney for freight truck.
(115) =

1400(756 2.85(115))

115(18 0.1(115))
1400(756 327.75)
=
115(18 11.5)
1400(428.25)
=
115(6.5)
599550
=
747.5
(115) = $802.07
It costs $802.07 to run a freight truck at a constant speed of 115 km/h from Adelaide to Sydney.
However, if the freight truck was able to maintain a constant speed higher than 250 km/h, the costs could be reduced
further (refer to Figure 16). Although a negative cost is impossible, since there is no information on the profits of running
a freight truck, after the line intersects the x-axis at 265.263 km/h, it maintains a much lower cost than when the
velocity is 115 km/h. It reaches a local maximum at 415 km/h, with a cost of $61.26 (Figure 14 and Figure 16). After that
the cost continues to steadily decrease, as the speed increases (Figure 16). It does not cross the x-axis again. At a speed
of 265.263 km/h, the cost is $0, which would be ideal.

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Figure 16: A graph of the cost/speed model, showing all the important data points.

Cost ($)

Speed (in km/h)

Let us suppose that there was another factor influencing the fuel efficiency of the freight truck: the amount of freight it
carries. Suppose that, for every extra freight container the truck carries, the fuel efficiency drops by 0.05 km/L. This
would have a significant impact on the optimum constant speed. A conjecture can be made that as more freight
containers are added, the optimum speed will get lower, however, the minimum cost will increase. This conjecture3can
be tested by creating a mathematical model.
Figure 17: A mathematical conjecture for the relationship between 2 extra freight containers and speed.
0 , 7 110
2 , 0.05 2 = 0.1
110 7 0.1 = 6.9
= 6.9 (0.1)( 110)
1400
1400
(30 + 12) +
(1.35)
() =

6.9 0.1( 110)

1400
1400
(42) +
(1.35)
=

17.9 0.1
1400(42(17.9 0.1) + (1.35)())
=
(17.9 0.1)
1400(751.8 4.2 + 1.35)
=
(17.9 0.1)
1400(751.8 2.85)
() =
(17.9 0.1)
Figure 18: A mathematical conjucture for the relationship between 4 extra freight containers and speed.
0 , 7 110
4 , 0.05 4 = 0.2
110 7 0.2 = 6.8
= 6.8 (0.1)( 110)

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1400
1400
(30 + 12) +
(1.35)

6.8 0.1( 110)

1400
1400
(42) +
(1.35)
=

17.8 0.1
1400(42(17.8 0.1) + (1.35)())
=
(17.8 0.1)
1400(747.6 4.2 + 1.35)
=
(17.8 0.1)
1400(747.6 2.85)
() =
(17.8 0.1)
() =

The conjecture in Figure 17 and 18 can be plotted against the original cost/speed model. Their local minimums can be
compared to test the conjecture.
Figure 19: Graphs of proposed conjecture and original cost/speed model. The local minimum of the Figure 18 model is
shown.

Cost ($)

Speed (in km/h)

Cost ($)

Speed (in km/h)

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As it can be seen in Figure 19, the optimal speed of the freight truck when there are 4 extra freight containers is lower by
approximately 1.5 km/h than when there is no extra freight containers. However, the cost is higher by nearly $10
(Figures 16 and 19).
It is conjucted that the freight truck should have a slightly lower constant speed when there are more freight containers
or a bigger freight size, even though it will increase the cost.

Discussion
Obviously, there are several problems with this model, and several assumptions were made while using this model. It is
not reasonable to assume a constant speed for a 1400 kilometre trip, as it is likely that there will be traffic stops and
other road conditions. Similarly, this is a long trip, so the driver would have to take a break or re-fuel the truck, stopping
the vehicle. It is unreasonable to assume that a driver would be travelling 115 km/h constantly or for a large period,
because a large portion of Australias speed limits are below that. Thus, it is unreasonable to assume that this would be
a constant speed. Assuming that this was an average speed would be much more realistic.
Several factors affect the reasonableness of this model, the biggest one being the assumption that there is a constant,
unchanging speed. This is very unrealistic, and it makes the travel time shorter, thus the hourly costs smaller, as it does
not account for breaks. Assuming that it is an average speed would make the model more reasonable, because it would
account for the breaks and stops.
There are other factors with this model, such as with the freight conjecture, that impact on the reasonableness.
Obviously, freight containers would have different mass, and affect the speed of freight truck, making it travel slower (or
as seen in Figure 19, lowering its fuel efficiency). However, freight containers are being discussed rather than mass,
which leads to the assumption that all the containers are of the same mass.
A problem with this model is the fact that the line doesnt pass through (0,0) as it technically should, because if there is
no speed, there is no travel (figure 16). However, the model doesnt account for this fact as the model was made to
show that the trip has happened. With some calculations, the model gives out a negative cost, which is impossible, as
there is not information about the profits from running a freight truck. It also shows that the cost steadily decreases if
the speed is higher than 415 km/h (Figure 16). Although speeds that high are possible, its not possible with a freight
truck. To explore those speeds, there would need to be a different cost model using a plane. Overall, this model could
have been more reasonable, if the speed was not assumed to be constant.

CONCLUSION
Differential calculus and optimisation can provide humans with a variety of models for real-life applications to improve
and develop technologies. In Part 1, optimisation and differential calculus were used to explore the motion of a rocket
car, and to help construct a motion graph. In Part 2, optimisation was used to identify an ideal constant speed for a
freight truck and a conjecture was made for the relationship of speed and freight size. In the next part, an individual
report exploring the different velocities of racing cars will be completed using knowledge and understanding of
differential calculus.

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PART 3: VELOCITY VS ACCELERATION

Introduction
Using differential calculus, the relationship of acceleration and velocity between Top Fuel Dragsters, world-record
breaking Jet cars, and high-performance Streetcars will be investigated. Three functions were given to be analysed, and
determine which represents which type of car, where v is percentage of maximum velocity and t is time in seconds:
() = 0.815 0.3

1.05
() = 0.025 1
0.3
1 + 100
A suggestion for the ideal racing distances for each of the cars will be found, and compared to each other to decide on
what distance would be a fair race. The aim of this investigation is to explore the different definitions of fast does
acceleration, velocity or a mix of both make something fast? This investigation will help aid future investigations about
the definition of fast, and develop experience in analysing velocity/acceleration formulas.
() =

Method
Firstly, the functions will be graphed to determine, which car is which. The derivatives of the functions will be taken to
determine their acceleration formula. Knowledge of optimisation and curve properties will be applied to solve for the
critical points in their speed, for example, any local maximums or inflection points will be found. The turning points in
the velocity formula will demonstrate changes in the displacement, while turning points in the acceleration will
demonstrate changes in the velocity. The graphs of the velocities and accelerations will be compared, and real-life
values will be inserted into the equation to see what the possible maximum velocity could be.

Application of mathematics
Figure 20: Velocity functions of Top Fuel
Dragsters, Jet Cars, and high-performance
Street Cars. Red represents the dragster cars,
the blue is jet cars, and the black street cars.
The red line (() = 0.815 0.3 ) represents the
Top Fuel Dragsters, as dragsters travel short
distances at high speeds and then significantly
1.05

slow down. The blue line(() = 1+100 0.3)

represents Jet cars velocity, because Jet cars
quickly accelerate to a maximum velocity and
then remain at that velocity (or slowly
increase). The black line (() = 0.025 1)
represents the street cars, because their speed
and acceleration increases exponentially. Figure
20 shows that street cars do not have a
maximum/optimum speed, because it is an
exponential function, , . For the
calculations of the derivatives and critical
points refer to Appendices G, H and I.
Figure 21: Acceleration (first derivative of
velocity) functions of Top Fuel Dragsters, Jet Cars, and high-performance Street Cars. Red represents the dragster cars,
the blue is jet cars, and the black street cars.

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Shorter distances would best suit the Dragster cars; they are designed for a quick acceleration and short distances.
Dragster cars reach 99.94% of their maximum velocity in 3.333 seconds, but the velocity reduces, and their acceleration
becomes negative (figure 20, 21). Dragster cars have the fastest acceleration of the three; they reach their local
maximum the quickest, however they never reach their maximum velocity. After 3.333 seconds, the car begins slowing
down. The car reaches near-maximum speeds of 542.7 km/h (Ewald, 2011).
The Street cars, meanwhile, would last better in longer distances, where they could gain velocity and acceleration over
time. This is evident in the exponential velocity and acceleration functions; both of them are slowly exponentially
increasing (figure 20, 21). It would take the Street car 27.726 seconds to reach 431 km/hr, making it the slowest of the
three (Neff, 2013). However, its velocity would continually increase afterwards.
Jet cars would suit both short and long distances, as they accelerate very quickly (and have the highest real-life speed),
due to it being a logistic function, but afterwards, their acceleration slows down. The Jet cars maximum velocity is
1227.93 km/h at 25.34 seconds (Ewald, 2011). It has an inflection point at 15.35 seconds, when the jet car is travelling at
52.5% of its maximum velocity, when its acceleration reduces.
The Jet and Dragster cars should travel short distances for a fair race, as both of them quickly accelerate, then begin
decelerating. Dragsters can only travel at a fast velocity for a certain period of time, afterwards, their velocity is
significantly lower. Jet cars also accelerate slower than drag cars, but are generally much faster in velocity, thus, a
shorter race would benefit both cars. Similarly, Jet and Street cars should have a longer distance race to as both could
travel longer distances at a steadier speed. Both take time to accelerate and reach high speeds, however, the Jet car
does this quicker. The Jet car reaches its maximum velocity and stays above it, which would allow it to travel a longer
distance quicker.
Velocity and acceleration are often related when discussing the definition of fast. The definition of fast is relative to how
big the object is, and how quickly it reaches it maximum velocity. For example, the Dragster cars are fast when travelling
short distances, however, during long distances they would be slower as their velocity would be closer to 0 around the
20 second mark.

Discussion
There are several problems and assumptions with the provided functions. Most cars are limited by fuel, components
parts, age, and other environmental factors, but it is not inclusive of that. Cars are also driven by humans, so there may
be human error if this was repeated. The Street Car function is inaccurate, as normally cars tend to reach speeds of 100
km/h from 0 in 3-4 seconds, and afterwards, their acceleration reduces, as there is friction between tires and road and
the weight of the car slows it down. In Figure 20, it can be seen that model just exponentially grows. In this report, it has
been assumed that the cars can travel forever, the Street and Jet cars speed will infinitely increase, and that the Dragster
car will never reach 0 km/h due to an asymptote. These factors do not reflect reality. A problem with this investigation is
the use of percentage of maximum velocity, instead of actual velocity. This makes the choosing of the fair racing
distance, and determining if an object is fast. For example, if Jet Cars were, hypothetically, inherently slower than
Dragster or Street, but reached their maximum speed sooner, it would not make them faster. However, if the races were
to compare the speeds of the cars, the 3 distances are fair as it would allow us to test the car for their function. Some
improvements to the investigation would be using actual velocity to compare how the cars actually compare in velocity
and acceleration, and investigating the rate of change of their acceleration more in-depth.

Conclusion
It seems that the definition of fast is often relative to the distance an object is travelling, as cars can significantly slow
down within seconds. When considering the definition of fast, both the velocity and acceleration need to be considered
in relation to the race distance of the car.

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REFERENCE LIST
Calculator 2016, Desmos, accessed 24 April 2016, <https://www.desmos.com/calculator>.
Colwell, K 2014, 2015 Porsche 918 Spyder Tested: 2.2 Seconds to 60!, Car and Driver, July, accessed 3 May 2016,
<http://www.caranddriver.com/features/the-2015-porsche-918-spyder-is-the-quickest-road-car-in-the-world-feature>.
Ewald, J 2011, TOP FUEL ACCELERATION PUT INTO PERSPECTIVE, We Did It for Love, accessed 3 May 2016,
<http://wediditforlove.com/techtalk21.html>.
Irvine, D 2013, World's fastest car set to break records, again, CNN, 18 November, accessed 3 May 2016,
<http://edition.cnn.com/2013/11/18/business/worlds-fastest-car-set-to/>.
Neff, J 2013, Guinness reconfirms Bugatti Veyron's world record top speed, AutoBlog, 15 April, accessed 3 May 2016,
<http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/15/guinness-reconfirms-bugatti-veyrons-world-record-top-speed/#slide-284566>.

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APPENDIXES
Appendix A
Using the Power Rule ( () = 1 ), the derivative of s(t) can be calculated.
() = 4 3 + 16 2 + 12
() = 4(3) 31 + 16(2) 21 + 12(1)11
() = () = 12 2 + 32 + 12
Using the Power Rule ( () = 1 ), the derivative of v(t) or the second derivative of s(t) can be calculated.
() = 12 2 + 32 + 12
() = 12(2) 21 + 32(1)11 + 12(0)
() = () = 24 + 32

Appendix B
To construct a sign diagram for velocity, values higher and lower than 3 need to be used to calculate if v(t) is positive or
negative, which will determine if the function is increasing or decreasing.
2 < 3, = 2,
(2) = 4(2 3)(3 2 + 1)
= 4(1)(6 + 1)
= (4)(7)
= 28 /

4 > 3, = 4,
(4) = 4(4 3)(4 2 + 1)
= 4(9)
= 36 /
4

To construct a sign diagram for acceleration, values higher and lower than 3 need to be used to calculate if a(t) is positive
or negative, which will determine if the function is increasing or decreasing.
4
, () = 1,
3
(1) = 24(1) + 32
= 32 24
= 8 2
1<

4
, () = 2,
3
(2) = 24(2) + 32
= 48 + 32
= 16 2
2>

Appendix C
The following are calculations for the motion diagram for the rocket car in Part 1.
() = 4 3 + 16 2 + 12
(1) = 4(1)3 + 16(1)2 + 12(1)
= 4 + 16 + 12
= 24
(2) = 4(2)3 + 16(2)2 + 12(2)
= 4(8) + 16(4) + 24
= 32 + 64 + 24
= 56
(3) = 4(3)3 + 16(3)2 + 12(3)
= 4(27) + 16(9) + 36
= 108 + 144 + 36
= 72

(4) = 4(4)3 + 16(4)2 + 12(4)

= 4(64) + 16(16) + (48)
= 256 + 256 + 48
= 48
(5) = 4(5)3 + 16(5)2 + 12(5)
= 4(125) + 16(25) + 60
= 500 + 400 + 60
= 40
(6) = 4(6)3 + 16(6)2 + 12(6)
= 4(216) + 16(36) + 72
= 864 + 576 + 72
= 216

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Appendix D

Time (s)

In this graph represent the time in seconds, while represents several things: for the first (displacement) function, it
represents displacement in metres (shown in black); for the second (velocity) function, it represents velocity in metres
per second (shown in red); for the third (acceleration) function, it represents acceleration in metres per second per
second (shown in orange). It can be seen in the graph that for the derivative of each function, the derivatives x-intersect
is equal to the functions local maximum. For example, for the acceleration the x-intersect is 1.3333 s (when it turns
from positive to negative acceleration), which is when the velocity is reaches its local maximum. All the functions
continue with a decreasing rate for infinity as time increases.

Appendix E
These are calculations for = 4.
(4) = 4(4)3 + 16(4)2 + 12(4)
= 4(64) + 16(16) + (48)
= 256 + 256 + 48
= 48

(4) = 12(4)2 + 32(4) + 12

= 12(16) + 128 + 12
= 192 + 140
= 52 1

(4) = 24(4) + 32
= 96 + 32
= 64 2

Appendix F
To construct a sign diagram for the cost/speed model, values of < 115, 115 < < 445, and 445 < . This will determine
if the function is increasing or decreasing, helping identify the nature of the critical values.
(10) =

1400(0.285(10)2 + 151.2(10) 13608)

2

(120) =

(10(18 0.1(10)))
=

1400(0.285(100) + 1512 13608)

2

(10(18 1))

1400(28.5 12096)
(170)2

1400(12124.5)
28900

= 587.35

1400(0.285(120)2 + 151.2(120) 13608)

2

(120(18 0.1(120)))
=

1400(0.285(14400) + 18144 13608)

1400(4104 + 4536)
7202
1400(435)
=
518400
=

= 1.175

(120(18 12))

795972R
(500) =

1400(0.285(500)2 + 151.2(500) 13608)

2

(500(18 0.1(500)))
=

1400(0.285(250000) + 75600 13608)

2

(500(18 50))

1400(71250 + 61992)
(16000)2

1400(9258)
256000000

= 0.0506

Appendix G
Firstly, the derivative of the dragster function needs to be found. This will be the acceleration function for the dragsters,
and also will help determine the percentage of maximum velocity of the cars.
() = 0.815 0.3
() = () = 0.815( 0.3 ) + 0.815(0.3 0.3 )
() = 0.815 0.3 (1 0.3)
Now, the critical point can be found out by making the derivative equal zero.
() = 0,

0 = 0.815 0.3 (1 0.3)

0 = 1 0.3
0.3 = 1
1
=
0.3
= 3.333
The maximum velocity can now be found.
(3.333) = 0.815(3.333) 0.3(3.333)
= 2.716 .9999
(3.333) = 0.9994 = 99.94%
The percentage of maximum velocity the Dragster cars get to 99.94% (Figure 20). If the maximum velocity is 543 km/h,
then the dragster car reaches speeds of 0 to 542.7 km/h in 3.333 seconds.

Appendix H
The acceleration function of the Jet car needs to be found slightly differently to dragsters and street cars, as the velocity

,
1+
ln
( , 2 ).

function is logistic: =
inflection can be found at

, . For logistic functions, the point of

1.05
,
1 + 100 0.3
= 100, = 0.3, = 1.05
() =

ln 100 1.05
= (
,
)
0.3
2
= (15.35, 0.525)

795972R
Therefore, at 15.35 seconds, when the jet car is travelling at 52.5% of its maximum velocity, the acceleration of the car
changes from positive to negative. The critical point of the function can be hard to find as the first derivative function
does not intersect the x-intercept, however, its local maximum
Figure A: The original velocity function (blue thick), the first derivative (purple thick) and second derivative (blue
spotted) on a graph. The first derivatives local maximum x-value matches the second derivatives x-intercept x-value.
Thus, a second derivative of the function can be used to find the critical value.

() =

1.05
1 + 100 0.3

() = () =
=

1.05(30 0.3 )
(1 + 100 0.3 )2

31.5 0.3
(1 + 100 0.3 )2

() = () =

9.45 0.3 (1 + 100 0.3 )2 31.5e0.3t (2)(1 + 100e0.3t )(30e0.3t )

(1 + 100e0.3t )4

(1 + 100e0.3t )( 0.3 )(9.45(1 + 100 0.3 ) + 63(30 0.3 ))

(1 + 100 0.3 )4

(1 + 100e0.3t )( 0.3 )(9.45 + 945 0.3 1890 0.3 )

(1 + 100 0.3 )4

(1 + 100e0.3t )( 0.3 )(9.45945 0.3 )

(1 + 100 0.3 )4

() = 0,
0=

(1 + 100e0.3t )( 0.3 )(9.45945 0.3 )

(1 + 100 0.3 )4

0 = (1 + 100e0.3t )( 0.3 )(9.45945 0.3 )

0 = (1 + 100 0.3 )(9.45 945 0.3 )

795972R
9.45 945 0.3 = 0
9.45 = 945 0.3
9.45
1
0.3 =
=
945 100
ln 0.3 = ln 1 ln 100
0.3 = ln 100
ln 100
=
0.3
= 15.35
The time when the Jet car reaches maximum velocity can also
stands for 100%. To do this, v(t) has to equal 1.

1 + 100 0.3 = 0
100 0.3 = 1
1
0.3 =
100

be found, as the Jet Car function crosses x=1, which

() = 1,

1.05
1=
1 + 100 0.3
1 + 100 0.3 = 1.05
100 0.3 = 0.05
0.05
0.3 =
100
ln 0.3 = ln 0.0005
0.3 = ln 0.0005
ln 0.0005
=
0.3
= 25.34
The Jet cars maximum velocity is 1227.93 km/h at 25.34 seconds, making it the fastest of all of them.

Appendix I
The acceleration function of the Street cars, or the derivative of their velocity function, can be found through
differentiation. However, the critical points cannot be found as the acceleration line is exponential (Figure 21).
() = 0.025 1
() = () = 0.025 0.025
However, the time when the Street Cars reaches maximum velocity can also be found, as the velocity function crosses
x=1, which stands for 100%. To do this, v(t) has to equal 1.
() = 1,

0.025
1=
1
0.025
2=
ln 2 = ln 0.025
ln 2 = 0.025
ln 2
=
0.025
= 27.726
The highest speed for a car production car is 431 km/h, thus, it would take the Street car 27.726 seconds to reach 431
km/hr.