MUHAMMAD ALIF BIN KHAIRUDDIN |MATEMATIK 2

Based on the article “Knotted”, identify as many of the mathematical modelling stages as
possible.

STEPS EXAMPLES
Step 1: Identifying and defining the  To predict the shortening in that rope.
problems  To obtain some pieces of rope and to try
knot.
 Tied loosely or tightly.
Step 2: Making assumptions and identifying  The thickness of the rope.
variables  The firmness of the rope.
 The change in lengths.
 The flexibility.
 The material it is made.
 The way it is wound.
 The rope type.
 Diameter of the rope in mm.
 Let x represents the change lengths of
the rope and y represents the rope used.
 Hence, the formula for rope used in knot:
2 xD+2 D which D refers to diameter of
the rope.
Step 3: Applying mathematical to solve Substitute x with 17.3 mm and D substitute
problem with 2.0 mm into 2 xD+2 D .
2 (17.3) (2.0)+2 ( 2.0 )=¿ 73.2mm.

Shortening , S 17.3
= =8.6
Diameter , D 2.0
Step 4: Verifying and interpreting solutions A plot of shortening against diameter
in the context of the problem suggested a straight line, so I divided the
change in length by the diameter. Since
quite different diameter ropes gave such
similar results I was led to try a geometric
model. At first inspection a tight overhand
knot is remarkably complex. But if you look
along the rope at the knot, it looks rather
like an oval shape surrounding two
thicknesses of the rope.
 MUHAMMAD ALIF BIN KHAIRUDDIN |MATEMATIK 2
Step 5: Refining the mathematical
Step 6: Reporting the findings
Thus, diameter ∞ shortening.
In this problem, we are not able to refine
the model due to lack of pattern in the
percentage change. This is because they
forget to take the diameter of the rope in the
calculation.
Report the findings of the problem solving
based on the interpretation of solutions as
shown in the preceding sections.