Question

Suppose an analyst believes that the cost of an item (C) was a linear function of the weight of an item (W): C = aW + b where a and b are constants. Which step of the engineering method might this be?

i. Develop a clear description
ii. Identify the important factors
iii. Propose or refine a model
iv. Conduct experiments
v. Manipulate the model
vi. Confirm the solution
vii. Conclusions and recommendations
a)v only
b)iii only
c)vi only
d)i or ii

Answer 1

Proposing the linear function C = aW + b as the cost of an item based on its weight corresponds to Step III: Propose or refine a model in the engineering method, which involves the creation and refinement of a mathematical model. The correct answer is option: b)iii only

Step-by-step explanation:

When an analyst believes that the cost of an item (C) is a linear function of the weight of an item (W) given by the equation C = aW + b, where a and b are constants, this is closely related to proposing or refining a mathematical model. In the context of the engineering method, this would correspond to Step III: Propose or refine a model.

This step involves creating a theoretical framework that can be used to predict or explain real-world phenomena, such as the cost associated with the weight of an item. Mathematical models such as the proposed linear function are often refined through various steps, including defining the independent and dependent variables and creating a scatter plot to visually inspect the relationship.

If experiments or data collection have been conducted, the analyst can then proceed to calculate the least-squares line and find the correlation coefficient to determine the significance and fit of the model. Should further validation be necessary, steps such as manipulating the model and confirming the solution may be utilized, along with drawing conclusions and making recommendations based on the analysis.