Modeling with Periodic Functions Answers

Which of the following situations can be modeled with a periodic function?

Tides in a specific location can be approximated using the periodic function shown on the graph.What is the interpretation of the amplitude in this application?

The height, h, in feet of the tip of the minute hand of a wall clock as a function of time, t, in minutes can be modeled by the equation . Which number (from 1 to 12) is the minute hand pointing to at t = 0?

Throughout the day, the depth of water at the end of a dock varies with the tides. The function represents the height, in feet, of the water t hours after midnight.Which graph shows the height of the water at the dock at any time after midnight?

The height, h, in feet of a flag on one blade of a windmill as a function of time, t, in seconds can be modeled by the equation . What is the minimum height of the flag?

The height, h, in feet of a piece of cloth tied to a waterwheel in relation to sea level as a function of time, t, in seconds can be modeled by the equation . What is the period of the function?

Suppose that you want to model the height of a rider on a Ferris wheel as a function of time. The amplitude of the function you use as a model should be equal to which of the following?

A weight attached to a spring is at its lowest point, 9 inches below equilibrium, at time t = 0 seconds. When the weight it released, it oscillates and returns to its original position at t = 3 seconds. Which of the following equations models the distance, d, of the weight from its equilibrium after t seconds?

A driver runs over a nail, puncturing the tire without causing a leak. The position of the nail in the tire, with relation to the ground, while the car is moving at a constant speed is shown in the table. Time (s)Approximate height of the nail off the ground (inches)000.012.10.027.60.0314.90.0421.50.0525.50.0625.50.0721.5Which key feature of the function representing the nail’s travel can be used to determine the amount of time it takes for the nail to reach the same orientation it had when it entered the tire?

A buoy starts at a height of 0 in relation to sea level and then goes up. Its maximum displacement in either direction is 6 feet, and the time it takes to go from its highest point to its lowest point is 4 seconds. Which of the following equations can be used to model h, the height in feet of the buoy in relation to sea level as a function of time, t, in seconds?