TUTORIAL 4

TITLE: KNOTTED
Stage 1: Identify problems in real world.
The task is to predict the number of pieces of rope which can be played with and one which can
only be measured but not tied. To predict the shortening in that rope.
Stage 2: Making assumptions.
How much a given piece of rope will be shortened, given whatever data seem necessary.
Does the factor thickness or diameter of the rope will affect the length of ropes after knot?
Assumptions: Another factors are doubling the thickness might double the change in length, the
firmness of the rope, the flexibility, the material, the way it is wound.
Stage 3: Formulating Mathematics Model.
Variables: Sample of ropes and string. /Measure the change in length
Constant: Tied knot for each rope.
Stage 4: Solving Mathematics Problem.
Do the experiment and record the data. Use different type of ropes and string, record the length
before and after knot. Use geometric model.
Stage 5: Interpretation of Solution.
The result not satisfied. So, the writer did another experiment (re-examine) by record the
diameter of ropes. The writer divided the change in length by the diameter to see the result.
Stage 6: Verification of Model.
The result was a range of numbers between 4 and 10. Most of the numbers are in the 8 to 9
range. Since quite different diameter ropes give such similar results the writer led to try a
geometric model. The writer noticed that the circumference of the oval would act as a very
simple model of the knot.
Stage 7: Reporting, Explaining and Predicting.
D is diameter of the rope led to the calculation of the circumference of the middle of the rope as
made up of two halves of a circle (one at each end), with diameter 2D, and a strip in the middle
of length D on each side:
Rope used in knot= 2xD + 2D.
The writer found that the shortening is a factor of (2x+2) times D which is about 8.3D and which
conforms with the measurements reasonably well.
The sisal string squishes considerably when the knot is tightened, while the polyester remains
firm in the smaller ropes, but squishes a little with the larger ones.