standard_description: For a function that models a relationship between two quantities, interpret key features of graphs and tables in terms of the quantities, and sketch graphs showing key features given a verbal description of the relationship. Key features include: intercepts; intervals where the function is increasing, decreasing, positive, or negative; relative maximums and minimums; symmetries; end behavior; and periodicity.
problem_activity: Task
Many computer applications use very complex mathematical algorithms. The faster the algorithm, the more smoothly the programs run. The running time of an algorithm depends on the total number of steps needed to complete the algorithm. For image processing, the running time of an algorithm increases as the size of the image increases.
For an $n$-by-$n$ image, algorithm 1 has running time given by $p(n) = n^3+3n+1$ and algorithm 2 has running time given by $q(n)=15n^2+5n+4$ (measured in nanoseconds, or $10^{-9}$ seconds ).
Compute the running time for both algorithms for images of size 10-by-10 pixels and 100-by-100 pixels.
Graph both running time polynomials in an appropriate window (or several windows if necessary).
Which algorithm is more efficient?


aligns: no