Data Modeling

For your convenience I am posting the Instructions below:

Project 7b: Data Analysis For this project, you will be required to find two sets of data, analyze the data and the context, and then choose a modeling equation that is the best fit for the data set. One set of data must fit to either an exponential curve or a logarithmic/logistic curve. Each set of data must have at least 20 entries/items. For each set of data, you should perform the following steps:

1.) List the exact web site or other reference that was the source of the data. If the reference is a web site, you can simply provide the URL. Your data should be from an actual source of real data collected by an agency or group (such as the Census Bureau, .gov state websites, Kelly Blue book, or professional sports websites). In other words, you cannot take a personal poll of your family, neighbors or classmates.

2.) Explain what the data represent; Give a quality explanation (in sentences and paragraphs) describing the situation. (For example, do NOT just say cars).

3.) List the data in table form (If your data set is more than 25 entries, only list the first 25).

4.) Complete a scatter plot of the data.

5.) Test several models such as linear, quadratic, cubic, logistic, exponential, or natural log to find an equation that is the best fit for your data set. You can use the regression feature on the TI-83/84 series calculator, or you can use the general equations of each of the functions provided in the textbook. You can use either method to find your modeling equations as long as you explain what you used and how you used it.

6.) List the equations of the models you try.

7.) Graph the equation of the model that best fits your data with a scatter plot of the data.

8.) Conclusions: For each set of data you should write a summary of the project and its items that you should address are as follows: What situations or applications might your equation be used for with this data? Would your curve be a better representation of the information before or after the values that created the model? Does the curve chosen as the best fit really tell the same story (meaning its functions characteristics and behavior) as what the data represent?

9.) Include a section (a few paragraphs) describing a specific scenario of how you might use this data in a real world application. It may be the case that this data would only be a part of a bigger question. This should be a well-thought application that is both reasonable and feasible.

NOTE: All of the information from #1 9 should be synthesized into one document do not list 1. 2. 3. with a short answer response. The graphs and tables should be embedded in the body of your paper. Do not simply attach the pages of graphs at the end of the text. The document should flow as a composition paper would with correct sentence and paragraph structure. The final draft should be typed and approximately 2-3 pages in length. Be sure to include all the sources you used for your information related to the project.

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