Calculating the Initial Distance

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 38 views

Introduction

Bungee jumping is an extreme sport that involves jumping from a great height while attached to a bungee cord. The bungee cord stretches and then recoils, propelling the jumper upward. In this article, we will calculate the distance a bungee jumper will travel upward on the eighth rebound, given that the bungee cord stretches 250 feet and the jumper rebounds 65% of the height jumped.

Understanding the Problem

To solve this problem, we need to understand the concept of exponential decay. The bungee jumper's upward travel distance decreases exponentially with each rebound. We can model this using the formula for exponential decay:

A = P * (r)^n

Where:

A is the final amount (in this case, the distance traveled upward)
P is the initial amount (in this case, the initial distance traveled upward)
r is the decay rate (in this case, 1 - 0.65 = 0.35)
n is the number of rebounds

Calculating the Initial Distance

To calculate the initial distance traveled upward, we need to find the distance the bungee cord stretches. Let's assume the bungee cord stretches 250 feet. Since the jumper rebounds 65% of the height jumped, the initial distance traveled upward will be 65% of 250 feet.

Initial distance = 0.65 * 250 = 162.5 feet

Calculating the Distance of the Eighth Rebound

Now that we have the initial distance, we can calculate the distance of the eighth rebound using the formula for exponential decay:

A = P * (r)^n

Where:

A is the distance of the eighth rebound
P is the initial distance (162.5 feet)
r is the decay rate (0.35)
n is the number of rebounds (8)

A = 162.5 * (0.35)^8

Using a Calculator to Find the Answer

To find the answer, we can use a calculator to evaluate the expression:

A = 162.5 * (0.35)^8 A ≈ 5.33 feet

Rounding the Answer to the Nearest Foot

Since we are asked to round the answer to the nearest foot, we can round 5.33 feet to 5 feet.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a bungee jumper will travel approximately 5 feet upward on the eighth rebound, given that the bungee cord stretches 250 feet and the jumper rebounds 65% of the height jumped.

Calculating the Distance of the Eighth Rebound: Step-by-Step

Here are the steps to calculate the distance of the eighth rebound:

Calculate the initial distance traveled upward by finding 65% of 250 feet.
Use the formula for exponential decay to calculate the distance of the eighth rebound.
Evaluate the expression using a calculator.
Round the answer to the nearest foot.

Exponential Decay Formula

The formula for exponential decay is:

A = P * (r)^n

Where:

A is the final amount
P is the initial amount
r is the decay rate
n is the number of rebounds

Answer: 5 feet

Discussion

This problem requires the use of exponential decay to calculate the distance of the eighth rebound. The bungee jumper's upward travel distance decreases exponentially with each rebound, and we can model this using the formula for exponential decay. By following the steps outlined above, we can calculate the distance of the eighth rebound and round the answer to the nearest foot.

References

[1] Khan Academy. (n.d.). Exponential decay. Retrieved from https://www.khanacademy.org/math/differential-equations/first-order-differential-equations/exponential-decay/v/exponential-decay
[2] Math Is Fun. (n.d.). Exponential decay. Retrieved from https://www.mathisfun.com/algebra/exponential-decay.html
Bungee Jumping: A bungee jumper rebounds 65% of the height jumped. Assuming the bungee cord stretches 250 feet, how far will the bungee jumper travel upward on the eighth rebound? ===========================================================

Q&A: Bungee Jumping and Exponential Decay

Q: What is bungee jumping?

A: Bungee jumping is an extreme sport that involves jumping from a great height while attached to a bungee cord. The bungee cord stretches and then recoils, propelling the jumper upward.

Q: What is exponential decay?

A: Exponential decay is a mathematical concept that describes how a quantity decreases over time. In the case of bungee jumping, the upward travel distance of the jumper decreases exponentially with each rebound.

Q: How do you calculate the distance of the eighth rebound?

A: To calculate the distance of the eighth rebound, you need to use the formula for exponential decay:

A = P * (r)^n

Where:

A is the distance of the eighth rebound
P is the initial distance (162.5 feet)
r is the decay rate (0.35)
n is the number of rebounds (8)

Q: What is the initial distance traveled upward?

A: The initial distance traveled upward is 65% of the height jumped, which is 162.5 feet.

Q: How do you find the decay rate?

A: The decay rate is 1 - 0.65 = 0.35.

Q: What is the formula for exponential decay?

A: The formula for exponential decay is:

A = P * (r)^n

Where:

A is the final amount
P is the initial amount
r is the decay rate
n is the number of rebounds

Q: How do you evaluate the expression using a calculator?

A: To evaluate the expression using a calculator, you need to enter the values of P, r, and n into the calculator and press the calculate button.

Q: What is the answer to the problem?

A: The answer to the problem is 5 feet.

Q: How do you round the answer to the nearest foot?

A: To round the answer to the nearest foot, you need to look at the decimal part of the answer. If the decimal part is less than 0.5, you round down to the nearest whole number. If the decimal part is 0.5 or greater, you round up to the nearest whole number.

Q: What are some related topics to bungee jumping and exponential decay?

A: Some related topics to bungee jumping and exponential decay include:

Exponential growth
Calculus
Math problems
Bungee jumping techniques

Q: Where can I find more information on bungee jumping and exponential decay?

A: You can find more information on bungee jumping and exponential decay on websites such as Khan Academy, Math Is Fun, and Wikipedia.

Conclusion

In conclusion, bungee jumping and exponential decay are related concepts that can be used to calculate the distance of the eighth rebound. By using the formula for exponential decay and evaluating the expression using a calculator, we can find the answer to the problem.