Suppose that the presence of phosphates in certain waste products dumped into a lake promotes the growth of algae. Rampant growth of algae affects the oxygen supply in the water, so an environmental group wishes to estimate the area of algae growth. Group members measure across the algae growth (see Figure 13.34) and obtain the data (in feet) in the table.

(a) Can either the Trapezoidal Rule or Simpson's Rule be used to calculate the area of the algae growth?
(b) When either the Trapezoidal Rule or Simpson's Rule can be used, which is usually more accurate?
(c) Use Simpson's Rule to approximate the area of the algae growth.

Transcribed Image Text:

Width w Width w х 27 24 23 50 15 18 18 30 10 60 20 70 30 40 80 Algae growth h. 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80