Math 121 worksheet for Chapter 5.4 Prof. Ross

This graph (real data!) shows the amount of electric power being used every 15 minutes at EMU.

1.  Does this graph make sense? Is there anything strange about it?

2.  Let f(t) be the function shown above, the power consumed at time t. Set up an integral that would compute the total energy consumed for this day.

3.  If you were to choose a type of function to approximate f(t), would you use: polynomial? rational? Exponential? Logarithmic? Something else? Why?

4.  What is the total energy consumption shown in this graph? Can you find quick lower and upper bounds and a quick approximation, as well?

5.  Residential electricity costs about 10 cents per kWh. What would the total cost for this day be?

Math 121 worksheet for Chapter 5.4 Prof. Ross

This graph (real data!) shows the amount of electric power being used every 15 minutes at EMU.

1.  Does this graph make sense? Is there anything strange about it?

2.  Let f(t) be the function shown above, the power consumed at time t. Set up an integral that would compute the total energy consumed for this day.

3.  If you were to choose a type of function to approximate f(t), would you use: polynomial? rational? Exponential? Logarithmic? Something else? Why?

4.  What is the total energy consumption shown in this graph? Can you find quick lower and upper bounds and a quick approximation, as well?

5.  Residential electricity costs about 10 cents per kWh. What would the total cost for this day be?

Math 121 worksheet for Chapter 5.4 Prof. Ross

This graph the flow rate of cars on I-94 eastbound near the Ypsilanti exit. It is based on real data, but I have modified it a little bit (I can tell you more if you want).

1.  Does this graph make sense? Is there anything strange about it?

2.  Let f(t) be the function shown above, the flow rate of cars at time t during the day. Set up an integral that would compute the total cars for this day.

3.  If you were to choose a type of function to approximate f(t), would you use: polynomial? rational? Exponential? Logarithmic? Something else? Why?

4.  What is the total number of cars that used the freeway at Ypsilanti, as shown on this graph? Can you find quick lower and upper bounds and a quick approximation, as well?

5.  Gas taxes (federal & state) total about 38.4 cents per gallon. This stretch of road is about 2 miles long and 3 lanes wide (eastbound only). Annual maintenance costs are about $15,000 per lane mile. Does this stretch of highway generate enough in gas taxes to pay for itself? You will need to make some additional assumptions/estimates.