Understanding a Graph

Briefly describe this graph of a Ferris wheel.

A graph has time on the x-axis and height on the y-axis. The graph increases and decreases through 4 cycles.

1 answer

The graph of the Ferris wheel depicts a periodic function where time is plotted on the x-axis and height above ground level is plotted on the y-axis. The graph shows four complete cycles, indicating that as time progresses, the height of the Ferris wheel's cabins oscillates in a smooth, rhythmic pattern typical of circular motion.

As the time increases, the height of the Ferris wheel rises to a maximum point (the highest point of the wheel) and then gradually descends back to a minimum (the lowest point). Each complete cycle represents the full motion of a cabin moving from the lowest point, up to the highest point, and back down again. The graph likely features a smooth sinusoidal shape, reflecting the continuous and symmetrical nature of the Ferris wheel’s movement.

The periodic nature of the graph suggests that the time it takes for a complete cycle, or one revolution on the Ferris wheel, remains constant. Overall, the graph effectively illustrates the relationship between time and height for the Ferris wheel's cabins over multiple cycles.