Gavin LaRose: Modeling the Path of a (Dead) Water-Skier

In this talk we will use mathematics to model the path of an (inactive) water-skier being towed behind a boat that travels along a specified path.  This requires the use of a combination of physics, trigonometry, and calculus-based mathematics, and results in a model that allows us to predict what path the water-skier will follow.  We will see some of these predictions, evaluate how reasonable they are, and consider how the model could be improved.