After the Challenger disaster in 1986, a study was made of the 23 launches that preceded the fatal flight. A mathematical model was developed involving the relationship between the Fahrenheit temperature x around the O-rings and the number y of eroded or leaky primary O-rings.The model stated that

where the number 6 indicates the 6 primary O-rings on the spacecraft.

(a) What is the predicted number of eroded or leaky primary O-rings at a temperature of 100°F?

(b) What is the predicted number of eroded or leaky primary O-rings at a temperature of 60°F?

(c) What is the predicted number of eroded or leaky primary O-rings at a temperature of 30°F?

(d) Graph the equation using a graphing utility. At what temperature is the predicted number of eroded or leaky O-rings 1? 3? 5?

Transcribed Image Text:

y = 1 + e (5.085–0.1156x)