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IBMathsDPApplications & Interpretation (AI)SLRevision Notes2. FunctionsModelling with FunctionsCubic Models

Cubic Models (DP IB Applications & Interpretation (AI)): Revision Note

Dan Finlay

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Cubic Models

What are the parameters of a cubic model?

  • A cubic model is of the form space f open parentheses x close parentheses equals a x cubed plus b x squared plus c x plus d

  • The d represents the value of the function when x = 0

    • This is the value of the function when the independent variable is not present

    • This is usually referred to as the initial value

  • The a has the biggest impact on the rate of change of the function

    • If a has a large absolute value then the rate of change varies rapidly

    • If a has a small absolute value then the rate of change varies slowly

What can be modelled as a cubic model?

  • If the graph of the data has exactly one maximum and one minimum within an interval

  • If the graph is monotonic with no maximum or minimum

    • D(t) is the vertical distance below starting point of a bungee jumper t seconds after jumping

    • V(x) is the volume of a cuboid of length x cm that can be made with a 200 cm2 of cardboard

What are possible limitations of a cubic model?

  • Cubic graphs have no global maximum or minimum

    • This means the function is unbounded

    • In real-life this might not be the case

    • The function might have a maximum or minimum

    • To overcome this you can decide on an appropriate domain so that the outputs are within a range

Examiner Tips and Tricks

  • Read and re-read the question carefully, try to get involved in the context of the question!

  • Always sketch the graph using your GDC to help 

  • Pay particular attention to the domain of the question

    • If the domain is given, make sure that you focus only on that section when you sketch the graph

    • If the domain is not given, think about whether or not it needs to be restricted based on the context of the question, e.g. can time be negative?

Worked Example

The vertical height of a child above the ground, h metres, as they go down a water slide can be modelled by the function

space h open parentheses t close parentheses equals 4 over 7 open parentheses 35 minus 12 t plus 6 t squared minus t cubed close parentheses,

where t is the time in seconds after the child enters the slide.

a) State the vertical height of the slide.

2-3-2-ib-ai-sl-cubic-models-a-we-solution

b) Given that the child reaches the ground at the bottom of the slide, find the domain of the function.

2-3-2-ib-ai-sl-cubic-models-b-we-solution

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    Dan Finlay

    Author: Dan Finlay

    Expertise: Maths Subject Lead

    Dan graduated from the University of Oxford with a First class degree in mathematics. As well as teaching maths for over 8 years, Dan has marked a range of exams for Edexcel, tutored students and taught A Level Accounting. Dan has a keen interest in statistics and probability and their real-life applications.