. The path of a particle in a two-dimensional space can be modelled by the regression equation y = –0.008x
3 + 0.35x
2 – 4.35x + 38.50 where y represents the vertical distance in metres
and x represents the horizontal distance in metres when compared to a baseline (the x-axis).

a) In what quadrants does the graph start and end? (1 mark)

b) What are the vertical distances of the particle when the horizontal distance is at the
following: (2)
. 10
. 30