Field Cricket
Gryllus pennsylvanicus
Length 15-25 mm

Cricket Problem

Based on information in Deep River Jim's Wiidemess Trail Book, the rate at which crickets chirp varies linearly with the temperature. At 59°F, they make 76 chirps per minute, and at 65°F they make 100 chirps per minute.

1. Write the particular equation expressing chirping rate in terms of temperature.
2. Predict the chirping rate at 90°F. and 100°F.
3. Plot the graph of this function.
4. Calculate the temperature-intercept. What significance does this number have in the real world?
5. Based on your answer in part d, what would be a suitable domain for this linear function? Make your graph in part c agree with this domain.
6. What is the real-world significance of the chirping rate intercept?
7. Transform the equation of part a so that temperature is expressed in terms of chirping rate.
8. What would you predict the temperature to be if you counted 120 chirps per minute? 300 chirps per minute?