Chapter 1: Polynomial Functions
Airbags: Seatbelts:
Sample Solution—Motorcycles and Helmets (continued)
Equation:
To determine the y-intercepts of each of these functions using the equations,
we substituted x = 0 into each function and determined the corresponding y-
value.
L
A
= 0.0444(0)
4
+ 0.0362(0)
3
+ 22.361(0)
2
11.147(0) + 41.81 = 41.81
L
S
= 0.119(0)
5
+ 4.8727(0)
4
71.739(0)
3
+ 443.81(0)
2
321.73(0) + 6601.5 =
6601.5
L
H
= 0.0548(0)
4
+ 1.9586(0)
3
15.87(0)
2
+ 34.646(0) + 626.26 = 626.26
Using the table, the graph, and the equations, we identified the y-intercepts of
the three functions to be approximately 41.81, 6601.5, and 626.26. This means
there were approximately 42, 6602, and 626 lives saved in the year 1990 in the
United States by airbags, seatbelts, and motorcycle helmets, respectively.
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