Algebra 1A
Unit 2
Name:
Period:
Distance vs. Ramp Height
Today we are going to explore how far a ball rolls down a ramp at different heights. To see if there is a
relationship between the distance that a tennis ball rolls and the steepness of the ramp, we will stack
books beneath one side of the ramp and measure the distance the ball rolls off the ramp.
Procedure:
1. Set up your ramp with one book so that it looks like the picture above.
2. Roll the ball down the ramp and measure how far the ball rolls from the end of the ramp.
Record your results in the table below. Then continue to add books to your ramp and fill in the
table. Then graph your data. Make sure to label the x and y axis (with numbers and titles).
Ramp
Height in
Books
0
Distance Traveled from
the End of the Ramp (in)
1
2
3
4
5
3. What is the independent and dependent variable?
Independent variable:
Dependent variable:
4. What is the domain and range? Can the domain and range be negative? Explain
Domain:
Range:
Explain:
5. What is the rate of change (AKA constant of variation)? (if the slope is NOT constant, take the average
slope)
6. If you have 0 books, how far will the ball go?
7. What is the y-intercept? Interpret the y-intercept in the context of the experiment.
y-intercept:
Meaning/Interpretation:
8. Does the graph go through the origin (0,0)?
9. Write a function/equation f(x), that models the distance the ball rolls, given x number of books? (Using
your slope from #5)
10. Will this equation go through the origin (0,0) ? How can you tell by looking at the equation?
Yes OR No
Explain:
11. In conclusion, describe how the number of books affects the distance the ball will roll.