Understanding the Graph of the Descent Function

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 137 views

Introduction

Hot air balloons are a popular mode of transportation for recreational and commercial purposes. However, when a hot air balloon descends to the ground, it can be a thrilling yet potentially hazardous experience. In this article, we will explore the mathematical function that models the descent of a hot air balloon and analyze the graph of this function.

The Descent Function

The function $h(t) = 210 - 15t$ can be used to describe the altitude of the balloon as it approaches the ground. In this function, $h(t)$ represents the altitude of the balloon at time $t$ . The function is a linear equation, which means that it has a constant rate of change. In this case, the rate of change is -15, indicating that the altitude of the balloon decreases by 15 units for every unit of time that passes.

Understanding the Graph of the Descent Function

To understand the graph of the descent function, we need to analyze the function itself. The function $h(t) = 210 - 15t$ is a linear equation, which means that it has a constant rate of change. The graph of this function will be a straight line that passes through the point (0, 210) and has a slope of -15.

The x-Intercept

The x-intercept of the graph of the descent function is the point where the balloon touches the ground. To find the x-intercept, we need to set $h(t) = 0$ and solve for $t$ . This gives us the equation:

0 = 210 - 15t

Solving for $t$ , we get:

t = \frac{210}{15} = 14

This means that the balloon will touch the ground at $t = 14$ seconds.

The y-Intercept

The y-intercept of the graph of the descent function is the point where the balloon is at its highest altitude. To find the y-intercept, we need to set $t = 0$ and solve for $h(t)$ . This gives us the equation:

h(0) = 210 - 15(0) = 210

This means that the balloon will be at an altitude of 210 units at $t = 0$ seconds.

Analyzing the Graph of the Descent Function

Now that we have analyzed the function and found the x-intercept and y-intercept, we can analyze the graph of the descent function. The graph of the descent function will be a straight line that passes through the point (0, 210) and has a slope of -15. This means that the graph will be a downward-sloping line that intersects the x-axis at $t = 14$ seconds.

The Shape of the Graph

The shape of the graph of the descent function is a straight line. This means that the graph will have a constant rate of change, which is -15 units per second. This means that the altitude of the balloon will decrease by 15 units for every unit of time that passes.

The Slope of the Graph

The slope of the graph of the descent function is -15. This means that the graph will be a downward-sloping line. This means that the altitude of the balloon will decrease as time passes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the function $h(t) = 210 - 15t$ can be used to describe the altitude of the balloon as it approaches the ground. The graph of this function will be a straight line that passes through the point (0, 210) and has a slope of -15. The x-intercept of the graph is the point where the balloon touches the ground, which is at $t = 14$ seconds. The y-intercept of the graph is the point where the balloon is at its highest altitude, which is at $t = 0$ seconds. The shape of the graph is a straight line, and the slope of the graph is -15.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the function that models the descent of the hot air balloon?

A: The function that models the descent of the hot air balloon is $h(t) = 210 - 15t$ .

Q: What is the x-intercept of the graph of the descent function?

A: The x-intercept of the graph of the descent function is the point where the balloon touches the ground, which is at $t = 14$ seconds.

Q: What is the y-intercept of the graph of the descent function?

A: The y-intercept of the graph of the descent function is the point where the balloon is at its highest altitude, which is at $t = 0$ seconds.

Q: What is the shape of the graph of the descent function?

A: The shape of the graph of the descent function is a straight line.

Q: What is the slope of the graph of the descent function?

A: The slope of the graph of the descent function is -15.

References

[1] "Hot Air Balloons." Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 10 Mar. 2023, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hot_air_balloon.
[2] "Linear Equations." Math Is Fun, mathisfun.com/algebra/linear-equations.html.
[3] "Graphing Linear Equations." Mathway, mathway.com/graphing-linear-equations.html.

Introduction

The Descent Function

Understanding the Graph of the Descent Function

The x-Intercept

0 = 210 - 15t

Solving for $t$ , we get:

t = \frac{210}{15} = 14

This means that the balloon will touch the ground at $t = 14$ seconds.

The y-Intercept

h(0) = 210 - 15(0) = 210

This means that the balloon will be at an altitude of 210 units at $t = 0$ seconds.

Analyzing the Graph of the Descent Function

The Shape of the Graph

The Slope of the Graph

The slope of the graph of the descent function is -15. This means that the graph will be a downward-sloping line. This means that the altitude of the balloon will decrease as time passes.

Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the function that models the descent of the hot air balloon?

A: The function that models the descent of the hot air balloon is $h(t) = 210 - 15t$ .

Q: What is the x-intercept of the graph of the descent function?

A: The x-intercept of the graph of the descent function is the point where the balloon touches the ground, which is at $t = 14$ seconds.

Q: What is the y-intercept of the graph of the descent function?

A: The y-intercept of the graph of the descent function is the point where the balloon is at its highest altitude, which is at $t = 0$ seconds.

Q: What is the shape of the graph of the descent function?

A: The shape of the graph of the descent function is a straight line.

Q: What is the slope of the graph of the descent function?

A: The slope of the graph of the descent function is -15.

Q: What is the rate of change of the altitude of the balloon?

A: The rate of change of the altitude of the balloon is -15 units per second.

Q: What is the altitude of the balloon at $t = 0$ seconds?

A: The altitude of the balloon at $t = 0$ seconds is 210 units.

Q: What is the altitude of the balloon at $t = 14$ seconds?

A: The altitude of the balloon at $t = 14$ seconds is 0 units.

Q: What is the time it takes for the balloon to touch the ground?

A: The time it takes for the balloon to touch the ground is 14 seconds.

Additional Questions

Q: What is the difference between the altitude of the balloon at $t = 0$ seconds and $t = 14$ seconds?

A: The difference between the altitude of the balloon at $t = 0$ seconds and $t = 14$ seconds is 210 units.

Q: What is the rate of change of the altitude of the balloon per second?

A: The rate of change of the altitude of the balloon per second is -15 units.

Q: What is the altitude of the balloon at $t = 7$ seconds?

A: The altitude of the balloon at $t = 7$ seconds is 105 units.

Q: What is the time it takes for the balloon to reach an altitude of 105 units?

A: The time it takes for the balloon to reach an altitude of 105 units is 7 seconds.

References

[1] "Hot Air Balloons." Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 10 Mar. 2023, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hot_air_balloon.
[2] "Linear Equations." Math Is Fun, mathisfun.com/algebra/linear-equations.html.
[3] "Graphing Linear Equations." Mathway, mathway.com/graphing-linear-equations.html.