In this section, you will explore a real world situation that can be modeled by a square root function. A graphing calculator is needed to complete this section.

If the graph of a real world situation is provided for you, be sure to identify what each axis represents (subject, units, etc.).

Example: The Fun in the Sun amusement park has a variety of roller coasters and spinning rides. The formula v = √ar can be used to find the velocity in meters per second of a car on a spinning ride, where r represents the radius of the curve in meters and a represents the car's acceleration in meters per second squared. For safety purposes, any ride that spins has a maximum acceleration of 39.2 meters per second m s² . If the cars on the Tarantula ride travel at a velocity of 16 meters per second, what is the minimum radius for any curve on that ride (to the nearest tenth of a meter)?  Solve using a graph or table.

Solution: From the problem a = 39.2 and v = 16.

Substituting these values into the formula you get Interactive button. Assistance may be required. __________. 16 = √39.2r.

Since you are solving for r, then r → x-axis on a graph, or the x-column in a calculator table.

Select one: Solve using a graph OR solve using a table.