1. Introduction
You are a ballistics specialist. You have already calculated the trajectory of the bullets from multiple
shooters on the crime scene. You have been asked to make a representation of where each shooter was
standing and where the victim was standing when he was shot.
Task
Solve for the point of intersection of the trajectory equations to find where the victim was when he was
shot. Sketch the lines on a grid to see what this looks like, and then create a diorama of the crime scene.
Write a short report of why you came to the conclusion that the victim was in the particular location in
the crime scene.
Process
You must begin by charting the layout of the crime scene on a grid.
You found that the trajectory of the bullets from the two shooters are represented by the equations
2x + 3y = 4 and y = 5x – 27. To aid you in creating a representation of the crime scene, first graph the
equations (FooPlot).
In order to create a representation of the crime scene, use Floor Planner. This representation should
include furniture and obstacles present. Make notes about where bullets may have left marks and
where blood splatter should be (blood). Also, be sure to identify the location of the two shooters, and
the victim.
Print and turn in both the graph and the crime scene representation.
Evaluation
0 1 -2 3 – 4 5
Graph No graph. The graph displays
the lines of
trajectory.
The graph displays
the lines and point
of intersection
clearly.
The graph is clear
and organized
with the lines of
trajectory and
point of
intersection
marked and
labeled.
Crime Scene
Representation
No crime scene
representation.
The
representation
only shows the
location of the
victim.
The
representation
includes furniture
and other
obstacles in
addition to the
The
representation
includes furniture
and other
obstacles in
addition to the

2. location of the two
shooters and the
victim.
location of the two
shooters and the
victim. Direction
of blood spatter is
indicated.
Short report and
attention to detail
and clarity
No report.
Directions not
followed and no
details included.
The report
includes a clear
description about
how the location
of the two
shooters and the
victim was
determined.
The report
includes a clear
description about
how the location
of the two
shooters and the
victim was
determined. Notes
about bullet
markings on
objects at the
crime scene are
made.
The report
includes a clear
description about
how the location
of the two
shooters and the
victim was
determined. Notes
about bullet
markings on
objects at the
crime scene are
made as well as
patterns of blood
splatter.
Conclusion
You have learned a little about what ballistics specialists do, and how they use math to solve crimes. You
can solve systems of equations graphically and use critical thinking skills to determine what would be
affected by the flight path of a bullet. Trajectory is used in many other fields involving aircrafts, sports,
archery, and many others. Think about other ways you can apply trajectory to your life.