Extend Algebra Lab

1-3 Graphing Data

In this lab, you will investigate the relationship between the height of a
Main IDEA chute and the distance an object travels as it leaves the chute.
Graph and interpret data.

Standard 7AF1.5
Represent
quantitative Make a meter-long chute for the ball out of cardboard.
relationships graphically Reinforce the chute by taping it to one of the metersticks.
and interpret the meaning
of a specific part of a graph
in the situation represented
Use the tape measure to mark off a distance of 3 meters
by the graph. on the floor. Make a 0-meter mark and a 3-meter mark
Standard 7MR2.3 Estimate using tape.
unknown quantities
graphically and solve for
them by using logical Place the end of your chute at the edge of the 0-meter
reasoning and arithmetic mark. Raise the back of the chute to a height of 5
and algebraic techniques.
centimeters.

Let a tennis ball roll down the chute. When the ball stops,
measure how far it is from the 3-meter mark.

Copy the table shown and record your results. If the ball
stops short of the 3-meter mark, record the distance as a
negative number. If the ball passes the 3-meter mark,
record the distance as a positive number.

Raise the chute by 5 centimeters and repeat the

experiment. Continue until the chute is 40 centimeters
high.
meterstick
Height h of Distance d from
Chute (cm) 3-meter Mark (cm)
5
5 cm 0m 10
3m 15

ANALYZE THE RESULTS

1. Graph the ordered pairs (h, d) on a coordinate grid.
2. Describe how the points appear on your graph.
3. Describe how raising the chute affects the distance the ball travels.
4. MAKE A PREDICTION Use your graph to predict how far the ball will
roll when the chute is raised to the 50-centimeter mark. Then check
your prediction.

40 Chapter 1 Algebra: Integers