Suppose an ant is moving at a rate of 1 millimeter per second and keeps going at that rate
for a long time.
If time, x, is measured in seconds, then the distance the ant has traveled in millimeters, y.
is y = 1x. If time, x, is measured in minutes, the distance in millimeters is y = 60x.
1. Explain why the equation y = (365-243,600)x gives the distance the ant has
traveled, in millimeters, as a function of time, x, in years.
2. Use graphing technology to graph the equation.
a. Label the axes with appropriate quantities and units.
b. Does the graph look like that of a function? Why do you think it looks this way?
3. Adjust the graphing window until the graph no longer looks this way. If you manage
to do so, describe the graphing window that you use.
4. Do you think the last graph in the flag activity could represent a function relating time
and height of flag? Explain your reasoning.