WINNING HEIGHTS OF GOLD MEDAL

Task: The objective of this task is to find the line of best fit of the winning height of the Olympic
Games, in the masculine category of high jump. This equation will be found in two ways: using
technology and by hand.

The following table shows the height (in centimeters) reached by the gold medalists in various
Olympic Games.

Year 1932 1936 1948 1952 1956 1960 1964 1968 1972 1976 1980
Height
197 203 198 204 212 216 218 224 223 225 236
(cm)

Note: there were no Olympic Games in 1940 and 1944.

The task can be divided in the following stages:

- Use some technological means to graph the given points. (Use geogebra, desmos or two
“variable analysis”). Insert the graph this document.

- Define all the variables used and indicate clearly the parameters involved. (Define the
independent and dependent variables and if the variables are discrete or continuous. Explain).

- Discuss the possible restrictions of the task. (Talk about the data provided, the scale given, the
adaptations required, etc.)

- What type of function models the behavior of the graph? Explain why you chose this function
(take into account the Pearson coefficient of correlation or coefficient of determination).

- Write down the equation that models the data in the table presented above. Analyse your
findings (talk about the type of correlation, meaning of slope and Y-Intercept).

- Make a comment about the observed differences. Discuss the limitations of your model. If
necessary, modify your model by technological means.

- Use some technological means to find another function that models the given information.
(Create a new table and convert the scale of years since 1932=0, 1936=4, and so on). In a
new axes system, draw precisely both model functions. Comment on the differences observed.

- Estimate what the winning heights would have been in 1940 and 1944, if the Olympic Games
had taken place in those years, and justify your answers.

- Use your model to predict the winning height in 1984 and in 2016. Comment on your answers.
 - Find the coefficient of correlation by hand. Use the teacher’s help.

The following table shows the winning heights in all the other Olympic Games since 1896.

Año 1896 1904 1908 1912 1920 1928 1984 1988 1992 1996 2000 2004 2008
To
Altura 190 180 191 193 193 194 235 238 234 239 235 236 236
(cm)
what extent does your model fit the additional data?
Discuss the general trend from 1896 to 2008, making specific allusions to significant fluctuations.
What modifications do you need to make to your model - if any are needed - to fit the new data?