IB Mathematics AHL 2.10 Scaling very large or small numbers AI HL Paper 1- Exam Style Questions- New Syllabus
Question
A veterinarian is researching the correlation between the age, measured in days (\(d\)), and the body mass, measured in kilograms (\(w\)), for a specific dog breed. By analyzing a comprehensive dataset, he constructs two different regression models. The statistical parameters for these models are presented in the following table.
| Horizontal axis | Vertical axis | Gradient | Intercept | \(R^2\) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Graph 1 | \(d\) | \(\ln w\) | \(0.00571\) | \(1.54\) | \(0.72\) |
| Graph 2 | \(\ln d\) | \(\ln w\) | \(0.302\) | \(0.693\) | \(0.95\) |
Using the information provided, identify which graph represents the more accurate relationship between \(w\) and \(d\). Derive the equation for this relationship in the form \(w = f(d)\), ensuring the expression is simplified. Provide a justification for your choice.
Most-appropriate topic codes:
• AHL 4.13: Non-linear regression; coefficient of determination (\(R^2\)) as a measure of fit
• AHL 2.10: Linearizing data using logarithms to determine exponential or power relationships
• AHL 2.10: Linearizing data using logarithms to determine exponential or power relationships
▶️ Answer/Explanation
Detailed solution
Justification:
Graph 2 represents the superior model as it possesses a significantly higher coefficient of determination (\(R^2 = 0.95\)) compared to Graph 1 (\(R^2 = 0.72\)), indicating a much stronger fit to the data.
Derivation:
The linear equation from Graph 2 is given by:
\(\ln w = 0.302(\ln d) + 0.693\)
Applying the exponential function to both sides:
\(w = e^{0.302 \ln d + 0.693}\)
Using exponent laws:
\(w = e^{0.693} \cdot e^{\ln(d^{0.302})}\)
Since \(e^{0.693} \approx 2.00\):
\(w = 2.00 \cdot d^{0.302}\)
Expression: \(w = 2d^{0.302}\).
