OCTOBER 19, 2022

MATHEMATICAL METHODS
PROBLEM SOLVING AND MODELING TASK

PRAYAG SAINI
Prayag Saini Mathematical Methods: Assignment Semester 2
Term 4

Table of Contents
Formulate.............................................................................................................................................2
Introduction.....................................................................................................................................2
Observations....................................................................................................................................2
Assumptions.....................................................................................................................................2
Mathematical Methods and Procedures........................................................................................2
Technology Utilized..........................................................................................................................3
Model 1.............................................................................................................................................3
Calculation for the bottom of the footbridge.................................................................................3
Model 2.........................................................................................................................................5
Calculation for the top of the footbridge.......................................................................................6
Calculation for the sides of the footbridge......................................................................................6
Calculation for the right side of the footbridge...............................................................................6
Calculation for the Cubic Functions...............................................................................................7
Left side Cubic................................................................................................................................7
Right Side Cubic.............................................................................................................................8
Calculation for Linear Equation......................................................................................................8
Calculation for Side-Ways Parabola...............................................................................................9
Calculation for Circle......................................................................................................................9
Evaluate and Verify.....................................................................................................................11
Appendix......................................................................................................................................12
Appendix Calculations.................................................................................................................14
Bibliography.................................................................................................................................14

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Prayag Saini Mathematical Methods: Assignment Semester 2
Term 4

Formulate

Introduction
There has been a commission by the council to replace a footbridge in the Cornubia Park. The
commissions involve the design of side panels for footbridge and then produce a report that explains
the processes. The council want the design to contain a variety of patterns.

Observations
The following observations were made with regard to the task question:
 The shape of the footbridge must be arched in shape
 The bridge must meet the following dimensions: have a horizontal span of 9.5m long, a
height between 1m and 1.2m, the vertex of the footbridge must be elevated above the
ground to a height of 650mm.
 At-least three different mathematical functions and relations must be used to design the
panel of the footbridge.

Assumptions
The following assumptions were made in response to the task question (associated with respective
observations)

It is assumed:

1. A parabolic function can accurately model the arched footbridge to the dimensions required.
2. Guess and check is an accurate method to solve for the dilation factor (a) of a parabolic
function that models the dimensions given for the arched bridge.
3. A cubic function, circle, horizontal parabolic function and a linear equation can effectively
model the panel of the footbridge.
4. Differences in percent error are a precise way to compare accuracy.
5. Rounded figures to two decimal places will not compromise the integrity of the final design
to the bridge.
6. Each square of the Cartesian plane is equivalent to 1 m2 as this allows all cautions to be done
in one unit.

Mathematical Methods and Procedures

The following functions and relations will be used to solve the task

Domain: The domain of a function is the set of all possible inputs for the function

Range: The range of a function is the set of outputs the function achieves when it is applied to its
whole set of outputs.
Functions

i. Parabola

Standard Form Equation 1.1

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Prayag Saini Mathematical Methods: Assignment Semester 2
Term 4

2
y=ax + bx+ c
Turning-point form Equation 1.2

2
y=a( x−h) +k
The a-value controls the dilation factor, if the a-value is <1 the parabola is narrower if the a-value is >1 the parabola is
wider. If the a value is negative the parabola opens downward, if its positive it opens upward

The h-value controls the horizontal shift of the vertex, a positive h-value goes to the right, a negative value goes to the left.

The k-value represents the vertical shift of the vertex, if k is a negative value the vertex goes downward and if k is a positive
value the vertex goes upward.

ii. Horizontal Parabola

Standard Form Equation 1.3

2
x=ay +by + c
Turning-point form Equation 1.4

x=a ( y−k)2 +k

iii. Cubic

Standard Form Equation 1.5

3 2
y=ax + b x +cx + d
Turning-point form Equation 1.6

y=a( x−h)3 +k
Relations

i. Circles

Standard Form Equation 1.7

2 2 2
(x−h) +( y−k ) =r
The R-value controls the radius of the circle.

ii. Linear Equation for a vertically straight line.

General Equation Equation 1.8

x=a

Technology Utilized
 Desmos: Graphing functions and relations software
 Graphic calculator: Solving simultaneous equations
 Symbolab.com: Verify algebraic calculations

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Prayag Saini Mathematical Methods: Assignment Semester 2
Term 4

Model 1

Calculation for the bottom of the footbridge

The footbridge has the following dimensions:

 9.5m length
 1m width
 650mm elevation above ground (Height above ground)

The dimensions were converted into cm.

Where x is the number of meters.

cm=x (m)× 100

length:

cm=9.5× 100
Cm=950

width:

cm=1 ×100
Cm=100

Equation for mm to cm:

x (mm)
cm=
10
Calculation for elevation

650
cm=
10
cm=65

The preliminary equation:

2
y=x +65
So that the parabola has a combined length of 950, the following restricted domain was created:

{−475< x< 475 }

The equation was revised into:

Equation 1.9

y=x 2 +65 {−475< x< 475 }

Using Guess and check an approximate dilation was substituted into the equation:

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Prayag Saini Mathematical Methods: Assignment Semester 2
Term 4

2
1
y= x +65 {−475< x< 475 }
80000
The a-value was made negative as this would allow for a maximum vertex and ensure that the
footbridge did not go below 0 on the x-axis.

The final equation for the bottom of the footbridge in Model 1 is:

Equation 2

−1 2
y= x +65 {−475< x< 475 }
80000
−1
Equation 2 has a dilation factor which increases its width and makes it, so the parabola
80000
opens downwards, the vertex has also been translated 65 units upwards, and been restricted to the
from the x-coordinates -475 to 475.

Equation 2 was graphed using Desmos and a percentage error was calculated

lenght of parabolabelow x axis

percentage error = × 100
total length of parabola

Using the graph of Equation 2 see appendix Figure 1, the percentage error for Model 1 was
calculated.

2( 475−403)
percentage error = ×100
950
percentageerror =15.16 %

Model 2
After consideration It was determined that to increase the validity of this report, that assumption 2
must be better addressed.

The strengthened assumptions can be seen below:

 Advanced Trial and Error is used to calculate the a-value as it allows for a more precise
dilation

Figure 2.1 was graphed using Desmos, then using advanced trial and error values between 0.0001-
0.00030 were trialed, the value with the lowest percentage error was used as the a-value. The
dilation with the lowest percentage error and its associated calculations can be seen below:

29
∨0.00029
100000
The dilation above goes 3 units below the x−axis∴
2(1.5)
Percentage error = × 100
950
Percentage error =0.3 %

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Prayag Saini Mathematical Methods: Assignment Semester 2
Term 4

Therefore, the equation was revised into:

Figure 2.1

29 2
y= x +65 {−475< x< 475 }
100000

The final design was produced on Desmos, see appendix figure 1.1:

Through the percentage error it can be seen that Model 2 has refined the validity of the report as it
has made the parabola more accurate as Model 1 had a percent error of 15% and Model 2 had an
error of 0.3% a 500 factor decrease.

Calculation for the top of the footbridge

The calculation for the top of the footbridge was done by considering that the criteria that the width
must be 100cm. Therefore, Equation 2.3 had its k-value increased by 100.

The final equation can be seen through Equation 2.2:

Equation 2.2

−29 2
y= x +165 {−475< x < 475}
100000

Desmos was used to graph the equation, see Figure

Calculation for the sides of the footbridge

Calculation for left side of the footbridge

To create the sides of the footbridge, linear equations were used. The Linear equations had a-value
of -475 or 475 as that it the x-axis intercept of the parabolas.

Equation 2.3

x=−475

As the x-value=-475 to calculate the y-value, it was substituted into the equation for the top
parabola

−29 2
y= (−475) +165
100000
y=99.56875
y=100

Therefore, the final equation for the left side of the footbridge can be seen through Equation 2.4
below:

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Prayag Saini Mathematical Methods: Assignment Semester 2
Term 4

x=−475 {0< y <100 }

Calculation for the right side of the footbridge

To formulate the equation for the right side of the footbridge. The given x-value of 475 were used.
The equation can be seen below in Equation 2.5:

Equation 2.5

x=475

The final equation for the right side of the footbridge can be seen through Equation 2.6 below:

To see the calculations, see appendix Calculation 1.

x=475{0< y <100 }

The two vertical lines were placed into Desmos which produced Figure 1.2, see appendix for Figure
1.2.

Calculation for the Cubic Functions

Left side Cubic
By a process of consideration, it was determined a cubic would be used as a design and it would be
placed at the coordinates (-410,50) and (410,50). The preliminary equation for this cubic is below.

Equation 2.6 (Left-side Hyperbola)

3
y=(x +410) +50

Compared to the standard form of this equation, Figure 3.1 has been translated ± 410 on the x-axis
and +50 on the y-axis. The a-value was made negative so it would fit in the bridge.

1 1
Using trial and error with a range between ¿ increase the values by 50, an approximate
5000 6000
dilation was produced which can be seen below:
3
1
y= (x+ 410) + 50
5500
Restrictions on the domain were calculated by calculating when the cubic would intercept the x-axis.
This was calculated by substituting y as 0, seen below:
3
1
0= ( x +410) +50
5500
1
0= ( x +410)(x +410)( x +410)+50
5500

x=−10 √3 275−440
x=−475

To find the other domain restriction, simultaneous equations were used because the hyperbola
intersects with the top parabola of the bridge meaning that x and y values are equal.

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Prayag Saini Mathematical Methods: Assignment Semester 2
Term 4

Equation for the Top of the Footbridge (1)

−29 2
y= x +165 {−475< x < 475 } Equation x . x
100000

Equation for Cubic (2)

3
1 (
y= x + 410 ) + 50 Equation x . x
5500
If the two functions intercept:

Equation1=Equation2
3
1 ( −29 2
x+ 410 ) +50= x +165
5500 100000
3
1 ( −29 2
x+ 410 ) ×1100000+50 ×1100000= x ×1100000+165 ×1100000
5500 100000
3 2
200(x + 410) +55000000=−319 x +181500000
3 2 2
200 x + 246000 x +100860000 x +13839200000=−319 x +181500000
3 2 2
200 x + 246000 x +100860000 x +13839200000−181500000=¿−319 x +181500000−181500000
3 2 2 2 2
20 x + 246000 x +100860000 x +13657700000+319 x =−319 x +319 x
3 2
200 x + 246319 x +100860000 x +13657700000=0
3 2
200 x +246319 x +100860000 x+ 13657700000
x +333.054
2
200 x +179708.218 x +41007475.33165

−179708.218 ± √ 179708.218 −4(200)(41007475.33165)

2
x=
2(200)
x=−333

Therefore, the final equation for left side cubic:

Equation 2.7
3
1 (
y= x + 410 ) + 50{−475< x ←333}
5500
1
Equation 2.7 has been widened by a factor of , translated 50 units upwards and 410 units
5500
leftwards.

Right Side Cubic

The right-side Cubic’s calculations can be seen through appendix Calculation 1.1.

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Prayag Saini Mathematical Methods: Assignment Semester 2
Term 4

Calculation for Linear Equation

Through as process of consideration, it was determined that the linear equation would be places in
the middle of the footbridge, this was calculated below.

−475+ 475
=0
2

The range restriction of the linear equation was calculated by taking the lowest y-value when x=0
and the highest y-value when x=0.

x=0 {65<165 }
This equation was then graphed, see appendix Figure 1.4

Calculation for Side-Ways Parabola

Right-Side Side-Ways Parabola

Through a process of consideration, it was decided that the horizontal parabola would be in the
vertical center of the footbridge. Calculated below.

Highest y −value when x=0

Vertical Center=
Lowest y−value when x=0
165+65
Vertical Center=
2
Vertical Center=115

The general equation was modified, the vertical center was used as the k-value and the H-value was
ignored as the horizontal parabola is in the horizontal center of the footbridge.

Equation 2.8
2
x=a ( y−115)

To find a dilation that had the width that would best suit the design of the footbridge, Equation 2.8
1 1 1
was graphed in Desmos and a gradient from ¿ were trialed with being chosen as the
2 12 11
gradient.

The final equation can be seen below:

Equation 2.9

1 2
x= (x−115)
11

Left Side Side-ways Parabola

To calculate the equation for the Left side side-ways parabola, equations 2.9 was reflected
negatively to allow for a symmetrical design.

−1
x= ( x−115)2
11

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Prayag Saini Mathematical Methods: Assignment Semester 2
Term 4

The horizontal parabola equations were then graphed, see Appendix Figure 1.5

Calculation for Circle

Through a process of consideration, it was determined a circle must encompass the horizontal
parabolas for the design to be completed.

165+65
Vertical Center=
2
Vertical Center=115
As the Vertical Center is at the coordinates (0,115) a formula for the circle was produced.
2 2 2
(x) +( y−115) =r

To calculate a value for “r”, Figure 3.7 was graphed into Desmos, and starting from 100, and systemically
increasing r by 100 until 1000 a value for r was determined.

Equation 3

(x)2 +( y−115)2=900

As the equation for the circle and side-ways parabola were known, the domain of the right-side side-ways
parabolas could now be calculated.

Equation 3.1

1
x= (x−115)2
11
Equation 3.2
2 2
(x) +( y−115) =900

If Equation3.1∧Equation 3.2intersect they must be equal ∴

1
x= ( x−115)2=( x)2 +( y−115)2=900
11
using a graphic calculator x was solved for
1 2 2 2
n ( Solve )=x= (x−115) =( x) +( y−115) =900
11
x=25
∴ the final equation for the ¿ side side−ways parabolawould be
2 2
(x) +( y−115) =900 {0≤ x ≤ 25 }
The equation above was then graphed see Appendix 1.6

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Prayag Saini Mathematical Methods: Assignment Semester 2
Term 4

Evaluate and Verify

The purpose of this report was to produce an arched footbridge with given dimensions and then
generate 3 designs using functions or relations. This was achieved by producing a parabolic function
that modeled the footbridge with the given parameters as this was the most effective procedure
known that could model the footbridge with the parameters. A design using a linear equation,
horizontal parabolic function, parabolic function and circle was produced which can be seen below:

To evaluate the reasonableness of the model, the strengths and limitations were considered.

Strengths of the model:

 The model has been produced in consideration of the observations therefore the model has
solved the task accurately, increasing the validity of the report.
 Assumption 2 was strengthened hence the model was refined, decreasing the percentage
error of the footbridge from 15% to 0.3%, increasing the validity of the report.
 There are intersections between the designs to increase the structural integrity of the
model.
 All calculations are correcting as they have been verified through Symbolab and Desmos

Limitations of the model:

 It was assumed that a parabolic function is an effective function to model the arched
footbridge, whereas in a real-world situation there may be more complex mathematical
procedures can decrease the percentage error that this model produced, therefore the
solution cannot be completely relied upon.
 The assumption that Guess and check is an accurate method to solve for the dilation factor
(a) of a parabolic function that models the dimensions given for the arched bridge is
unreasonable as it resulted in a percentage error of 0.3%, whereas an algebraic method to
solve for “a” would result in either a decreased percentage error or none.
 The model produced cannot be applied to a real-life situation as it has a percentage error of
0.3% which can impact the structural integrity of the footbridge and therefore weakens the
reliability of the solution

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Prayag Saini Mathematical Methods: Assignment Semester 2
Term 4

The solution produced was unreasonable as the assumptions made effected the accuracy of the final
results, this can be seen through the percentage error produces by the final model (2). To refine and
extend the model, a more effective function can be used to model the footbridge, an algebraic
method to find the dilation factor can be used to further increase accuracy and improve the model.
To conclude, the model produced is unreasonable as the assumptions made have affected the final
designs and caused error to the final solution.

Word count is approximately 1996 words excluding: headings, tables, bibliography and appendix.

Appendix

Appendix Figures
Figure 1

Figure 1.1

Figure 1.2

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Prayag Saini Mathematical Methods: Assignment Semester 2
Term 4

Figure 1.3

Figure 1.4

Figure 1.5

Figure 1.6

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Prayag Saini Mathematical Methods: Assignment Semester 2
Term 4

Figure 1.7

Appendix Calculations

Calculation 1

The range restrictions for Figure 2.5 were calculated by substituting the x value into the equation for
the top parabola.

−29 2
y= (475) +165
100000
y=99.56875
y=10

Calculation 1.1

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Prayag Saini Mathematical Methods: Assignment Semester 2
Term 4

The right side cubic will be a mirrored version of the left side hyperbola, with slight revisions to the
equation. This can be seen below in Equation 2.8
3
1 (
y=− x −410 ) +50 {475< x< 333}
5500
Equation 2.7 has been translated +810 units to the right, 0 units up, and has been reflected. The
domain has been made positive.

The cubic equations were graphed and can be seen in Figure 1.3 in the appendix.

Bibliography

Bridge Math | Apex Learning. (n.d.). Www.apexlearning.com.

https://www.apexlearning.com/course/1255

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