Linear Functions and

Mathematical Modeling
in the Port of Long Beach

1
By the end of this lesson
you will:

• Write linear equations using two

points or using a point and the slope
of the line.

• Write a linear equation to model the

depreciation of capital goods.

2
The following California Standards
will be addressed:

• Algebra 5: Students solve multi-step

problems, including word problems,
involving linear equations and linear
inequalities in one variable and provide
justification for each step.

• Algebra 8: Students understand the

concepts of parallel lines and
perpendicular lines and how their slopes
are related. Students are able to find the
equation of a line perpendicular to a given
line that passes through a given point.

3
Real World Applications…

We can use math to

calculate the height of
the scrap metal pile
using the Pythagorean
Theorem, a2+b2=c2.
We can calculate the
volume of scrap metal
that a truck can hold
using V = lwh.

4
Capital Equipment can be Cranes,
Trucks, Railways…

• The Port of Long Beach

invests millions of
dollars in building
infrastructure and
purchasing equipment.

• As it ages,
infrastructure and
equipment loses value,
or depreciates.

5
Why learn about modeling and
linear equations?

• Mathematics is a symbolic language that

we use to represent and study the world
around us. In this lesson you will use
Algebra to model simple depreciation as
used in business.

• Using math to study real world problems

will provide a better understanding of the
uses of math outside of the classroom.

6
Think of a car…

• When you buy a car, it loses value in the

same way as the equipment and
infrastructure at the Port of Long Beach.

• For example, if you bought a 2007 Nissan

and were to sell it in one year, you would
not be able to sell it for the price you paid
— you would sell it for less because it has
depreciated in value.

7
A little review…

Before we can model using a linear

equation, we must remember how to
write a linear equation.

We will begin by reviewing slope and

two ways to use points to write a
linear equation.

8
The slope of a line…

• The slope is the rate of change of y

with respect to x. Visually we see
this as the steepness of the line.
(Think of a really steep hill you
would have to walk up or down.)

9
 Y

=1
m
On this graph, with
each single unit
s s
increase in x, there ne
p
is a single unit ee
St
increase in y.
X

10
The larger the slope…
Y
• As the absolute

m= 2
value of the m
=1

slope becomes
larger, the line
becomes X
steeper, moving
toward vertical.

11
The smaller the slope…

Y
• As absolute
value of the m
=1
slope becomes
smaller, the line m= ½

becomes flatter,
X
moving toward
horizontal.

12
Tell a neighbor

• The slope represents the steepness

of a line.

• As the slope becomes larger, the line

steeper,
becomes moving toward vertical .

• True or False: A line with slope of 1/8 will be

flatter, moving toward horizontal.

13
A Positive Slope
• A line with a positive slope is drawn
up and to the right

14
A Negative Slope
• A line with a negative slope is
drawn down and to the right.

15
Slope of a Line

• If points (x1, y1) and (x2,y2) are two points

on a non-vertical line, then the slope of
the line is given by the equation:

y2 − y1
m=
x2 − x1

16
 Y
L1

The slope is the m=

change in the y
over the change
in the x. y2 - y1

x2 - x1

17
Calculating the Slope

• Find the slope of the line that passes

through the point (5, -7) and (2, 4).
y2 − y1
m=
x2 − x1

4 − ( −7 )
m=
2−5

11 − 11 11
= = =−
−3 3 3
18
What does the slope tell us?

• The slope of the line that passes

m = −points
through the given
11
3 is .

• This line is drawn down and to the right .

• Is this line steep –going toward vertical,

or is it flatter – going toward horizontal?

19
Calculating the Slope

• Find the slope of the line that passes

through the point (3,10) and (-3, 8).
y2 − y1
m=
x2 − x1
8 − 10
m=
−3 − 3
−2
m=
−6

1
m=
3
20
What does the slope tell us?

• Discuss the following questions with

your neighbor:

• Is the line with this slope, m = 1/3,

drawn up or down to the right?

• Is this line steeper – going toward

vertical or is it flatter – going toward
horizontal?

21
The Slope of Vertical Lines

Y m = undefined
• The slope of a
vertical line is
undefined. If you
select two points
X
on a vertical line
and solve for the
slope, you will end
up with a zero in
the denominator.

22
The Slope of Horizontal Lines

Y
• The slope of a
horizontal line is m=0
zero. If you select
two points on a
X
horizontal line and
solve for the
slope, you will end
up with a zero in
the numerator.

23
Parallel Lines

• Two lines are parallel if they have

the same slope, m1= m2.

m1
m2

24
Perpendicular Lines

• Two lines are perpendicular if the slopes

of the two lines are negative reciprocals.

m1(m2) = -1

25
Parallel, Perpendicular, Neither?

• L1 passes through the points (1,-2) and (4,2), L2

passes through the points (-1,-2)and (3,6).
Determine whether lines are parallel,
perpendicular or neither.
y2 − y1 y2 − y1
m1 = m2 =
x2 − x1 x2 − x1
2 − ( −2) 6 − ( −2 )
m1 = m2 =
4 −1 3 − ( −1)
4 8
m1 = m2 =
3 4
m2 =2
26
Are they parallel?

• The slope of L1 is 4/3 and the slope of L2 is

2.

• Are these lines parallel?

• Raise your right hand if you think the

answer is yes and your left if you think
the answer is no.

• No, the slopes are not the same.

27
Are they perpendicular?

• The slope of L1 is 4/3 and the slope of L2

is 2.
• Are these lines perpendicular?
• Raise your right hand if you think the
answer is yes and your left if you think
the answer is4 no. 8
×2 =
3 3

• No, their product is not negative 1.

28
Neither

• Lines L1 and L2 are neither parallel

nor perpendicular.
• To have been parallel, the slopes
would have to have been equal.
• To have been perpendicular, the
slopes would have to have been
negative reciprocals (the product of
the two slopes will equal -1).

29
Parallel, Perpendicular, Neither?

• L1 passes through the points (-2,5) and (4,2),

L2 passes through the points (-1,-2)and (3,6).
Determine whether lines are parallel,
perpendicular or neither. Write your answer
on your response board.
y2 − y1 y2 − y1
m1 = m2 =
x2 − x1 x2 − x1
2−5 6 − ( −2)
m1 = m2 =
4 − ( −2 ) 3 − ( −1)
−3 8
m1 = m2 =
6 4
1 m2 =2
m1 = −
2
30
Are they parallel?

• The slope of L1 is -1/2 and the slope

of L2 is 2.
• Are these lines parallel?
• No.
• Why?
• The slopes are not the same.

31
Are they perpendicular?

• The slope of L1 is -1/2 and the slope of L2

is 2.
• Are these lines perpendicular?
1
− × 2 = −1
2
• Yes
• Why?
• The product of the two slopes in -1.
They are negative reciprocals.

32
Tell a friend…

• Explain to your neighbor how you

determine whether a line is
perpendicular or parallel.

33
Find the Equation of a Line Using
Point-Slope Form.

• We can write the equation of a line if we

know two points on the line or a point on
the line and the slope of the line.

• We can use the Point–Slope Form which is

given by the equation

y – y1 = m(x – x1)

34
Given two points…

Find the equation of the line that passes

through the points (4, 5) and (6, -1).

Step 1: Find the slope.

y2 − y1
m=
x2 − x1

m=
−1 − 5
6−4
m = −3
−6
m=
2
35
Example Continued…

Step 2: Using point (4,5) and m= -3,

substitute the values into the
equation.

y – y1 = m(x – x1).
y – 5=-3(x – 4)
y – 5=-3x +12
y =-3x + 17

36
Find the equation…

Find the equation of the line that passes

through the point (2,3) and (-4, -6) using the
Point-Slope equation, y – y1 = m(x – x1)

Step 1 Step 2
−6 − 3
m= y − y1 = m( x − x1 )
−4 − 2
y − 3 = 23 ( x − 2)
−9
m= y − 3 = 23 x − 3
−6
3 y = 23 x
m=
2

37
Given a point and the slope…

Find the equation of the line that

passes through the point (6, -2) and
has a slope of 2.

y – (-2) = 2(x – 6)
y + 2 = 2x – 12
y = 2x - 14

38
Tell a friend…

• Explain to your neighbor how you

found the equation of the line.

39
Practice

1. Write the equation of the line

passing through the points (5,1)
and (-6, -4).

2. Write the equation of the line with

a slope of 0 and passing through
the point (6,9).

40
Solution to Practice #1

1. Write the equation of the line passing

through the points (5,1) and (-6, -4).
−4 − 1
y − y1 = m( x − x1 )
m=
−6 − 5 y − 1 = 115 ( x − 5)
−5
m= y − 1 = 115 x − 11
25
−11
5 y = 115 x − 11
25
+1
m=
11 y = 115 x − 11
25
+ 11
11

y = 115 x − 14
11

41
Solution to Practice #2
1. Write the equation of the line with a
slope of 0 and passing through the point
(6,9).
y − y1 = m( x − x1 )
y −9 = 0( x −6)
y −9 = 0
y =9

Is this line vertical or horizontal? Why?

It is horizontal because the slope is 0.

42
Finding the equation of a line
using slope-intercept form.

• Another way to find the equation of a line

is by using the slope intercept form:

y = mx + b
• Given two points we can find the slope of
the line.
• With the slope and a point we solve for b.
• Once we have m and b we substitute the
values in to the equation.

43
Slope-Intercept Form

Write the equation of the line that passes

through point (1,3) and point (4, -6).

1. Find the slope. 2. Find b 3. Substitute

( y2 − y1 ) y = mx + b
m= y = mx + b
( x2 − x1 )
−6 − 3
3 = −3(1) + b y = −3x + 6
m= 3 = −3 + b
4 −1
−9 6 =b
m=
3
m = −3

44
Slope-Intercept

Using the slope-intercept form the

linear equation, find the equation of
the line that passes through the point
(4,1) and (5,-3).

Write your solutions on your response

board.

45
Solution

Find the equation of the line that passes

through the points (4,1) and (5,-3).

1. Slope 2. Find b 3. Substitute

y2 − y1 y = mx + b
m= y = mx + b
x2 − x1
1 = −4( 4) + b y = −4 x + 17
−3 − 1
m= 1 = −16 + b
5−4
m = −4 17 = b

46
Practice

• Find the equation of the line passing

through the given points, use the
specified method.

• A) Point-Slope, (4,7) and (-2, -3).

• B) Slope – Intercept for (-4, -6) and (5,

8).

47
Solution to A

Point-Slope, (4,7) and (-2, -3).

1. Slope 2. Substitute and simplify
y2 − y1 y − y1 = m( x − x1 )
m=
x2 − x1 y − 7 = 53 ( x − 4)
−3 − 7 y − 7 = 53 x − 203
m=
−2 − 4
y = 53 x − 203 + 7
−10
m= y = 53 x − 203 + 7( 33 )
−6
5 y = 53 x − 203 + 213
m=
3 y = 53 x + 13
48
Solution to B

Use slope – intercept for (-4, -6) and (5,

8).
1. Slope 2. Find b 3. Substitute
y2 − y1
m= y = mx + b y = mx + b
x2 − x1
−6 = 149 ( −4) + b y = 149 x + 29
8 − ( −6)
m=
5 − ( −4 ) −6 = −56
9 +b
m=
14 −6 + 126
9 =b
9
−6( 99 ) + 569 = b
−54
9 + 569 = b
2
9 =b
49
Mathematical Modeling

• Mathematics is simply a symbolic

language used to study the world
around us.

• Mathematical Modeling is the

process of formulating real-world
situations into the language of
mathematics.

50
Mathematical Modeling

• Some mathematical models are

very precise. For example, finance
equations will give you an exact
calculation of interest or the future
value of an investment.

51
Compound Interest

• Principal= 10,000 A = P (1 + mr ) ( m)( t )

• Interest Rate= 7% A = 10,000(1 + .12
07 (12 )( 30 )
)
• Compounding A = 10,000(1.0058) 360
Period =12 A = 10,000(8.116)
• Years=30 A = $81,164.97

If you were to deposit $10,000 at 7% interest for

20 years compounded monthly, it would
accumulate to $81,164.97.

52
Models for Estimating

Some mathematical
models will provide
only an estimate.

For example, using an

exponential function
can predict global
warming.

53
Simple Depreciation
• We will be writing linear equations for the
straight line method of linear
depreciation to study the depreciation of
capital investments made by the Port of
Long Beach.

• Depreciation is the decrease or loss in

value of capital due to age, wear or
market conditions. In accounting it is the
allowance made for a loss in the value of
capital.

54
The Port of Long Beach

• Located in our own backyard, the Port of

Long Beach is the second-busiest port in
the United States.

55
Port of Long Beach

• Over $100 billion dollars with of cargo

passes through the Port each year.

56
Port of Long Beach

• Long Beach-
generated trade
supports 1.4
million jobs
throughout the
U.S. and generates
about $15 billion
in annual trade-
related wages.

57
The Port

• The Port of Long Beach manages the

facilities of the Port.

58
The Port

• It is responsible for infrastructure.

59
The Port

• Its revenue comes

from tariffs that
shipping companies
and importers pay
for the cargo
received and
shipped out of Long
Beach.

60
The Port of Long Beach

• Toward that end, the

Port of Long Beach
makes large capital
investments in in
infrastructure for
improvements,
expansion and safety.
The following
examples illustrate
some of those
investments.

61
Linear Depreciation

• In 2002 the Port of Long Beach purchased

a ZPMC Crane for Pier T for the amount of
$6,811,461.73. The crane is to be
depreciated over 15 years with a scrap
value of $0.

62
Linear Depreciation

• In 2002 the Port of Long Beach purchased

a ZPMC Crane for Pier T for the amount of
$6,811,461.73. The crane is to be
depreciated over 15 years with a scrap
value of $0.

• Write an expression that will calculate the

value of the crane at the end of year (t).

• What is the value of the crane in 2007?

64
Simple Depreciation

• Write an expression that will

calculate the value of the crane at
the end of year (t).

• We will need two coordinates of the

form (time, value).
• Time is the independent variable.
• Value is the dependent variable.

65
Linear Depreciation

In 2002, (this will be t = 0) the Port of

Long Beach purchased a ZPMC Crane for
Pier T for the amount of $6,811,461.73.
The crane is to be depreciated over 15
years with a scrap value of $0.

(0, $6,811,461.73) & (15, $0)

66
Finding the Coordinates

• First coordinate: The crane was worth

$6,811,461.73 at the time of purchase
(t=0). Our first coordinate is
(0, $6,811,461.73)

• Second coordinate: After 15 years, the

crane will have a value of $0, so the
second coordinate is
(15, $0)

67
Given the coordinates we can
solve the problem…

• Using (0, $6,811,461.73) and (15,0), we

can find the equation.

Find the slope Substitute and Simplify

( 0 − 6,811,461.73)
m= y − y1 = m(x − x1)
(15,0)
y − 0 = −454,097.45(x − 15)
−6,811,461.73
m= y = −454,097.45x + 6,811,461.73
15
m = −454,097.45

68
The linear equation…

The linear equation expressing the

cranes value at the end of t years is
given by

y = -454,097.45x + 6,811,461.73

69
Rate of Depreciation

• Given,
y = - 454,097.45x +
6,811,461.73

• the slope is the rate of depreciation

or $454,097.45 per year.
• Note the y-intercept is the original
value of the crane.

70
What is the value of the crane in
2007?

The crane was purchase in 2002, so 2007

would be t=5. To solve, substitute 5 in for
x.

y=-454,097.45x+6,811,461.73
y=-454,097.45(5)+6,811,461.73
y=4,540,974.48

At the end of 2007, the book value of the

crane was $4,540,974.48.

71
Check for Understanding

In 1984, a tractor/loader was

purchased for use at the Port of Long
Beach for a price of $29,041.01. The
tractor/loader was depreciated using
the straight-line method over 8 years.
Find the linear equation expressing the
tractor’s book value at the end of t
years. What is the rate of
depreciation? Check your answer with
your neighbor.
72
Solution

• Your two coordinates are (0,$29,041.01)

and (8,$0)

1. Find the slope 2. Find the equation

0 − 29,041.01
m= y − y1= m( x − x1)
8− 0
y − 0 = −3630.13( x − 8)
m= −3630.13
y = −3630.13x + 29,041.01

73
Rate of Depreciation?
• The linear equation expressing the crane’s value
at the end of t years is given by

y = -3,630.13x + 29,041.01

• What is the rate of depreciation?

$3,630.13 per year
• What was the value of the crane in 1987?
y = -3,630.13x + 29,041.01
y = -3,630.13(3)+ 29,041.01
y = 18,150.62
The value of the crane was $18,150.62.

74
Practice

A truck scale purchase at a cost of

$151,999.75 in 1986 has a scrap value of
$0 at the end of 10 years. If the straight-
line method of depreciation is used,

• A) Find the rate of depreciation.

• B) Find the linear equation expressing the
book value of the scale at the end of t
years.
• C) Find the book value at the end of 7
years.

75
Check Your Work

A) The rate of depreciation is the slope.

0 −151,999.75
m=
10 −0
m =−15,199.98
B) The linear equation is
y = −15,199.98 x + 151,999.75

C) Find the book value at the end of 7 years.

y = $45,600.03

76
Closure

• Write a brief paragraph explaining

the method for writing simple
depreciation equations. Include an
explanation of depreciation.

• Share your paragraph with your

neighbor.

77