Due date: 1/10 @ 4:30 pm
The goal of this problem set is to introduce you to some of the skills
that a computer programmer, a computer analyst, a software salesperson,
or a customer service person needs. The first three are word problems from
seventh grade algebra that relate to traffic simulations, computer games,
and basic business programs. The fourth one concerns geometry, which is
needed to determine graphical layouts. The last one is about interacting
with people, an extraordinarily important skill in our area.
Problem 1:
A girl picks up a paper route where she is paid 7 dollars a month for
having the route and $0.02 per paper she delivers.
How much does she get if she delivers 100 papers? 500 papers? 1000 papers? per month.
Make a table that shows the results.
Create a formula for calculating how much the girl earns if she delivers
p papers.
Use the formula and a calculator or the Interactions Window to find
out how much the girl earns when the Sox make the playoffs and win
the series (again) and is forced to deliver 10023291 papers in a
month.
Problem 2:
The space shuttle accelerates from 0 to 600 (miles per hour) in about 10 seconds like this:
| after t = |
0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
... | 10 | ... | 15 | seconds |
| it has traveled |
0 | 30 | 120 | 270 | 480 | 750 |
... | ?? | ... | ?? | meters |
Create a formula for calculating how far the car has gotten in t
seconds.
Use the formula and a calculator or DrScheme's Interactions Window to
fill in the two boxes with ?? in the above table.
Problem 3:
To launch a rocket, we place it on a pedestal that's 20 meters tall.
At t = 0, the engines ignite and the rocket lifts off. So,
| seconds | meters |
|---|
| at t = 0 | it is at 20 |
| at t = 1 | it is at 25 |
| at t = 2 | it is at 40 |
| at t = 3 | it is at 65 |
| at t = 4 | it is at 100 |
Where is the rocket at t = 5?
Write a formula that calculates how high the rocket is, given that t
seconds have passed since the launch.
Use the program and a pocket calculator or the Interactions Window to
find out how high it is at t = 10? t = 200? t = 400?
Problem 4:
Draw a hot air balloon floating over a mountain into a 100 x 100 box.
Draw a house betwee two trees into a 100 x 100 box.
Use graph paper to draw. Use only rectangles (incl. squares), equisided
triangles, and circles. You may leave those blank or fill them in with
color.
Problem 5:
Interview a classmate and find out his/her motivation for
enrolling in computer science. Write up the result of the interview as a
single paragraph (at most 150 words) that could go into a student
newspaper. The paragraph should include some basic information about the
person you interviewed.
Problem 6: [optional]
Submit your picture and description for the gallery.
Optional:
Please explain any problems you had completing this assignment in no more than 30 words.