Additional Mathematics Project Work 1 2013

SELANGOR EDUCATION DEPARTMENT

ADDITIONAL MATHEMATICS PROJECT WORK 1/2013
Introduction
One of the mathematical concepts which we must be familiar with is logarithms.
Before the days of scientific calculators, logarithms were used to multiply or divide
extreme numbers using mathematical tables. For these calculations, ten was the most
common base to use. Logarithm to the base of ten is also called the common
logarithm. Other bases such as two, five and eight can also be used. The ancient
Babylonians had used bases up to 60.
Logarithms have many applications in various fields of studies. In the early 17 th
century it was rapidly adopted by navigators, scientists, engineers and astronomers to
perform computations more easily.

PART 1
a) Write a history on logarithm.
b) Find and explain the applications of logarithm in two different fields of study.
Explanation of each application should include the following :
i) The field of study chosen.
ii) Examples of problem solving related to the field of study.

PART 2
The volume, V, in cm3, of a solid sphere and its diameter, D, in cm, are related by the
equation V = mDn, where m and n are constants.
You can find the value of m and of n by conducting the activities below.
a

i)
ii)
iii)

Choose six different spheres with diameters between 1 cm to 8 cm.

Measure the diameters of the six spheres using a pair of
vernier callipers.
Find the volume of each sphere without using the formula of volume.
(You can use the apparatus in the science lab to help you)
Tabulate the values of the diameter, D, in cm, and its corresponding
volume, V, in cm3.

Find the value of m and of n using logarithms with any two sets of values
obtained in the table above.

Selangor Education Department

Additional Mathematics Project Work 1 2013

PART 3
(A)

In our daily life, the relation between two variables is not always in a linear form. For
example, the relation between the volume, V, and the diameter, D, in Part 2 above.
Plot V against D using suitable scales.

(B)

When the graph V against D is drawn, the value of m and of n are not easily
determined from the graph. If the non-linear relation is changed to a linear form, a
line of best fit can be drawn and the values of the constants and other information can
be obtained easily.
a) Reduce the equation V = mDn to a linear form.
b) Using the data from Part 2, plot the graph and draw the line of best fit.
c) From the graph, find
i)
ii)
iii)

the value of m and of n, thus express V in terms of D,

the volume of the sphere when the diameter is 5 cm, and
the radius of the sphere when the volume is 180 cm3.

FURTHER EXPLORATION
a)

Compare the equation obtained in Part 3 (B) c (i) with the formula of volume
of sphere. Hence, find the value of .

b)

Suggest another method to find the value of .

REFLECTION
What have you learnt while conducting the project? What moral values did you
practise? Express your feelings and opinions creatively through the usage of
symbols, drawings, lyrics of a song or a poem.

END OF PROJECT PAPER

Selangor Education Department