Applied Math Project: Formulas
Name:______________________________________
Objective: Research and explain a math formula used to model
variables in Real life.
Details:
Chapter: ____________
Due Date: ____________
Procedure:
1. Students will randomly select a formula from science, economics
and other math related fields.
2. Students will create a one page summary of the formula which will
include the following information:
a. A legible representation of the formula.
b. The common name for the formula
c. Explanation of all of the numbers and variables, including
units used for the variables
d. A brief summary of how it was discovered and who got credit
for developing the model.
e. Where it is used in the world today.
f. A picture or graph that represents the model.
Grading Rubric
Rubric
Proper
Heading
Presentation
Individual
Parts a.-f.
Passed in
On time
Bonus
Total
Description
Name, class, date
Neat, Easily readable, and organized so
the information is easy to find.
Type as much as possible.
Each part was completed and references
a reliable source.
Each day late will be 3 points.
Interesting extra fact about the person who
discovered the formula or an application of
the formula
Points
4
10
30
6
3
50
Grade
Applied Math Project: Formulas
C = πd
Circumference of Circle = pi * diameter
Numbers and Variables:
C = Circumference of the circle, measured in units for distance
( i.e. inches, feet, centimeters, meters, miles, etc. )
d = diameter of the circle, measured in the distance units as the
circumference
π = pi, a constant irrational number that has no units. It represents
the ratio of circumference to diameter of circles. 3.14159. . .
Summary if pi and the formula
The history of pi and the formula for Circumference pre-dates
written history. In 1650 B.C. the Rhind Papyrus of ancient Egypt
references the constant that became pi as 4(8/9)2. Even 3600 years ago,
the approximation was fairly accurate at 3.16049. Over the years the
value of pi became more accurate. British mathematician William Jones
first assigned the constant to the Greek letter π. In 1737, the famous
mathematician Leonard Euler adopted π and it became the standard for
the ratio of circumference to diameter.
Where is it used?
The formula is used wherever circles are used, particularly with
measurement of distances. The wheels of cars and bikes use the
formula to measure distance and speed.
References:
http://www.ualr.edu/ , University of Arkansas, Little Rock
Math through the Ages, by Berlinghoff and Gouvea, Oxton House, 2004