1. Lesson 3

Mathematics 30-2 Module 4

Module 4: Polynomials

 

Lesson 3: Modelling Data with a Curve of Best Fit

 

Focus

 

In Lesson 2 you were introduced to using linear regression to draw conclusions about data that exhibits a linear trend. What about data that does not have a linear trend? For example, what about the revenue data from the drama scenario introduced in Lesson 1?

 

This is a scatter plot showing production cost and revenue as functions of ticket price. The horizontal axis is labelled $0 to $8 and the vertical axis is labelled $0 to $800. Production cost shows a set of data that appear to be linear, going through the points (2, 700) and (6, 800). Revenue shows a set of data that appear to be quadratic, with a vertex at (4, 800) and going through the point (0, 0).

Data Source: PRINCIPLES OF MATHEMATICS 12 by Canavan-McGrath et al. Copyright Nelson Education Ltd. Reprinted with permission.

 

In this lesson you will learn about quadratic and cubic regressions and use those equations to model real-world problems.

 

Lesson Outcomes

 

At the end of this lesson you will be able to

  • use technology to determine quadratic and cubic regression equations
  • use a regression equation to answer questions in a real-world context
Lesson Question

 

You will investigate the following question: How can a curve of best fit be used to model problems?

 

Assessment

 

Your assessment may be based on a combination of the following tasks:

  • course folder submissions from Try This and Share activities
  • work under Project Connection