The pressure, P in pounds per square inch (PSI) on a diver depends upon their depth below the water surface, d, in feet, following the equation P(d) = 14.696 +

Question

The pressure, P in pounds per square inch (PSI) on a diver depends upon their depth below the water surface, d, in feet, following the equation P(d) = 14.696 + 0.43d. Interpret the components of this function.

Answer 1

The function is linear, i.e. a straight line.

P(d) represents the total pressure at some depth d.

d is the independent variable.

The constant term of 14.696 is the initial pressure at sea level(14.7 psi). Where the depth is (0 ft).

.43 is a constant found by experiments and it is the rate of change of the pressure with respect to depth.

The .43d term is the pressure at some depth d, greater than zero.

 

The equation represents the total pressure P(d), at some depth d, plus(+) the pressure at sea level.

Answer 2

Sandra,

               The constant term is just the atmospheric pressure i.e. when z=0 the coefficient of d is the pressure of a column  of water d feet high which is 62.4 lbs/ft³ /144 in²/ft² or .43psi/ft of depth. So P(d) is the total pressure on the diver at the depth d.

 

Hope this helps

 

Jim