Problema Solution
The stopping distance for a car traveling 25mph is 61.7 feet, and for a car traveling 35mph it is 106 feet. The stopping distance in feet can be described by the equation y=ax^2 +bx, where x is the speed in mph.
(a) Find the values of a and b.
(b) Use answer from part (a) to find the stopping distance for a car traveling 55mph
Answer provided by our tutors
The stopping distance in feet can be described by the equation y=ax^2 +bx, where x is the speed in mph.
(a) Find the values of a and b.
The stopping distance for a car traveling 25mph is 61.7 feet:
a*25^2 + 25b = 61.7
and for a car traveling 35mph it is 106 feet:
a*35^2 + 35b = 106
We have the following system of equations:
a*25^2 + 25b = 61.7
a*35^2 + 35b = 106
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a = 0.056006
b = 1.006657
(b) Use answer from part (a) to find the stopping distance for a car traveling 55 mph
y=0.056005*55^2 + 1.006657*55
y = 224.78 mi
The stopping distance of a car traveling 55 mph is 224.78 miles.