Week 4: Linear Inequalities and Nonlinear Functions

Linear equations are great for modeling relationships that are … linear! Relationships between an employee’s hours worked and total pay would be considered linear, modeled by an equation like T=20h where T stands for total pay and h is hours worked.

Consider the balance in a retirement account. You don’t have much when you are in your 20s, but as you continue your employment, your retirement account balance builds. This is not a linear relationship as it only builds up to a certain point. When you retire, you will need that money and start to spend it down. This relationship is best modeled by a parabola.

This week, you will explore systems of linear inequalities and relationships that are not modeled with linear relationships. Choosing an appropriate model will allow for more accurate predictions.

Discussion: Multitasking Math

In our fast-paced world, the term multitasking is often thrown around. Why just answer emails when you can answer emails and, at the same time, watch television with your spouse? Many assume that doing multiple tasks simultaneously allows one to finish tasks sooner, allowing for more time to rest or enjoyable activities. However, this is not likely the case.

For this Discussion, you explore the quadratic pass method—a mathematical process for improving the management of your time.

To prepare for this Discussion:

• Review the video on how to manage your time more effectively according to machines.
• Think about four to eight (4–8) tasks you perform daily.
• Consider how you might use the quadratic pass method, from the video, to minimize contact switches between these tasks. How might this method help you better manage your time?
• Think about whether you feel it is possible to eliminate all contact switches in your daily tasks.
• Think about how you would rank the tasks you selected in order of importance. What does your ranked task list look like?
• Reflect on why you chose to rank the tasks in the order you did.
• Think about your tasks based on the quadratic pass method. Consider how much longer it might take you to complete these tasks if they are completed in random or chronological order rather than ranking them first.

Click the link below for Brian Christian’s TED Talk, How to Manage Your Time More Effectively (According to Machines)

Christian, B. (2018, January). How to manage your time more effectively (according to machines) [Video]. TED Conferences. https://www.ted.com/talks/brian_christian_how_to_manage_your_time_more_effectively_according_to_machines
Note: The approximate length of this media piece is 5 minutes.

Here is the transcript for the video:

How to Manage Your Time More Effectively Transcript

Post at least 2 paragraphs responding to the following prompts:

• Paragraph 1:
  • Briefly outline four to eight (4–8) tasks you perform daily.
  • Explain how you might use the quadratic pass method, outlined in the video, to minimize contact switches between these tasks.
  • Explain why this method might help you better manage your time.
  • Explain whether you feel, in your case, it is possible to eliminate all contact switches to one set schedule. Why, or why not?
• Paragraph 2:
  • Describe how you ranked the tasks you selected, in Part 1, in order of importance using the ranking method. What does your task list look like after ranking it?
  • Explain why you chose to rank the tasks in the order you did.
  • Explain how much longer it would take you to complete your task list if you chose to rank them first versus completing them in random or chronological order using the quadratic pass method presented.