Math Analysis and

Approaches Higher Level

exploration
Finding the optimum position using integration to cool
a water bottle in the most efficient way

Page Count: 17
Table of Contents

Introduction and Rationale ................................................................................................................2

Aim and Approaches ..........................................................................................................................3

Part 1 (Comparing Two Bottles) .........................................................................................................4

Modelling Bottles ............................................................................................................................4

Bottle 1 ......................................................................................................................................4
Bottle 2 ......................................................................................................................................5

Calculating Total Surface Area .........................................................................................................6

Bottle 1 ......................................................................................................................................6
Bottle 2 ......................................................................................................................................9

Part 2 (Vertical vs Horizontal)..........................................................................................................11

Vertically Placed Bottle..................................................................................................................11

Modelling the Bottle ..................................................................................................................12
Calculating the Surface Area ......................................................................................................12

Horizontally Placed Bottle .............................................................................................................14

Modelling the Bottle ..................................................................................................................14
Deriving the Formula.................................................................................................................15
Calculating the Surface Area ......................................................................................................16

Conclusion .......................................................................................................................................18

Bibliography ....................................................................................................................................19

1
Introduction and Rationale

Mathematics is a subject that has always confused as well as challenged me. Over the past year,
there were countless moments when I failed to understand the real-life application of this subject.
Sometimes, I feel that the knowledge and theory I am learning will never be useful to me other than in
a mathematics analysis and approaches classroom. However, this exploration has made me realise how
diverse mathematics really is and that it can be truly found everywhere. To keep this exploration
personal, I have based it on something that I personally really enjoy, namely cold drinks.
What really fascinates me about cold drinks is that it can be served in the weirdest most
imaginative types of bottles. Some of them are curvy while others may have a twisted design. But of
course, the liquid contained within the bottle is what I love the most. In my opinion, a drink is ruined if
it’s at room temperature or even slightly warm as at that point it’s simply not drinkable. I am a person
who loves their drinks to be as cold as possible; a drink can never be too cold. But at the same time, I
do not enjoy it as much when there’s ice in my drink as it will slowly melt and dilute the flavour.
I have recently moved houses and we now have a wine cooler, in which the bottles lay
horizontal instead of vertical. Since I do not come from a family that indulges themselves in alcohol, it
means that we have no wine bottles in the wine cooler. And, since the cooler is integrated in the central
kitchen cabinet, we do not want to remove it. So instead, we put drinks like Coca Cola, Fanta, and Sprite
in it. The thing that I find most strange is that I feel that when I put a drink in the fridge, when it stands
vertically, it cools faster than in the wine cooler. The temperature of both devices is set the same so that
means that technically the drinks should become cold equally as fast. Yet, for some reason I feel
otherwise. This observation may be incorrect and could just be a random feeling/assumption. But to be
one hundred percent sure, I will be investigating whether a drink cools faster laying horizontally or
standing vertically.
I will do this by taking into consideration the theory from physics and applying it to
mathematics. The theory in physics states: the rate of heat transfer is directly proportional to the surface
area through which the heat is being conducted. This translated into mathematical terms would mean
that the bottle with a greater surface in contact with the liquid would be able to cool faster.
The results of this investigation will be life changing for me as it will change the way I think
about both my fridge and wine cooler. As summer has arrived and the temperature is slowly rising, it is
important for me to know how to cool my drinks in the most effective and time efficient way. I will no
longer need to waste my time using a device that isn’t as efficient as the other one.
In the end, this investigation will have taught me that mathematics can be useful for so many
other things than just math class. This will have taught me that day to day problems, like chilling your
drinks, can be made more efficient using diagrams and equations.

2
Aim and Approaches

The aim of this exploration is to identify the most efficient way to cool a water bottle. This will be
achieved in three different steps. First, I will be calculating the surface area in contact with the liquid
for two different bottles using integration. Once that is done, I will be able to identify which should be
more efficient at cooling, since according to physics the one with a greater surface area will be quicker.
However, since the thickness of the plastic is not being considered it may not be 100% accurate. Lastly,
I will calculate the surface area of liquid touching the bottle when it is standing vertically and lying
horizontally. The one with the greater surface area will be the most efficient.

To approach this task, I will calculate the surface area of both bottles by modeling different segments
of the bottles using the following formulas:
𝑦 = 𝑎𝑥 2 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐
𝑦 = 𝑎𝑥 3 + 𝑏𝑥 2 + 𝑐𝑥 + 𝑑
To use these formulas, I will collect three points for each segment. I use three points instead of two as
that will lead to the most accurate curve that I can model. These points will then be plugged into the
formula to find the function. Once this step is complete, I should have a handful of functions that can
be used to form a piecewise equation to find the total surface area of the bottle.

The formula that will be used to calculate the surface area of both bottles is denoted as (1):
𝑏
𝑆𝐴 = ∫ 2𝜋𝑟√1 + [𝑓′(𝑥)]2 𝑑𝑥
𝑎

Where 𝑆𝐴 stands for surface area, 𝑎 and 𝑏 are the limits of 𝑥, and 𝑟 is the radius of the shape.
The formula of the area of a circle will also be used to calculate the top and bottom of the bottle:
𝐴 = 𝜋𝑟 2
Where 𝐴 stands for area and 𝑟 is the radius of the circle.
Once all the surface area segments are found, they can be added to get the total surface area of the bottle.
The bottle that has a greater surface area will be the one that will be further investigated. In this part of
the exploration, the surface area of the liquid touching the bottle will by calculated when the bottle is
standing up and lying down. This will be calculated with two different formulas:
The formula used to calculate the surface area (1), and a new formula that will be derived and
explained later in this exploration:
9.68
𝑏 𝑐𝑜𝑠 −1 ( 2 )
𝑆𝐴 = ∫ 2𝜋𝑟 ( 𝑟 ) 𝑑𝑥
𝑎 360

Both formulas have 𝑟, which is a function of x. This is because 𝑟 is the radius of the shape which can
be found using the value of the y-axis when placing an image of the water bottle horizontally on a
graphing chart, this will become clearer later in the exploration. Once both surface areas are found,

3
standing, and lying, the conclusion will be found, and the greater surface area will be the most efficient
at cooling the drink.

Part 1 (Comparing Two Bottles)

Modelling Bottles

Bottle 1

Image 1: Bottle 1 (Vitamin Water)

y Image 1 shows the vitamin water bottle placed

on a graphing grid along the x-axis. To graph
this bottle, I used a website called desmos. I
chose this one over the other websites as this
x
is easier to work with and, in my opinion, a
better fit for this kind of modeling.

The dotted lines in Image 1 represent the different sections of the bottle that will get graphed. Points 1,
2, and 3 on the graph will be used to model the first parabola. The formula that will be used is:
𝑦 = 𝑎𝑥 2 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐

The three points shown in the image will be substituted into the formula and then will be equated with
each other to obtain an accurate equation.
Point 1 = (0.5, 2.88) → 2.88 = 𝑎(0.5)2 + 𝑏(0.5) + 𝑐 → 2.88 = 0.25𝑎 + 0.5𝑏 + 𝑐
Point 2 = (1, 3.28) → 3.28 = 𝑎(1)2 + 𝑏(1) + 𝑐 → 3.28 = 𝑎 + 𝑏 + 𝑐
Point 3 = (2, 3.65) → 3.65 = 𝑎(2)2 + 𝑏(2) + 𝑐 → 3.65 = 4𝑎 + 2𝑏 + 𝑐
Using GDC you can equate these three equations with each other to get the final function:
𝑓(𝑥) = −0.287𝑥 2 + 1.23𝑥 + 2.34
Following the same method or collecting three points, substituting them into the formula, and equating
them with each other. We end up with the piecewise function:
−0.287𝑥 2 + 1.23𝑥 + 2.34 0 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 2.35
7.5𝑥 2 − 38.25𝑥 + 52.1 2.35 < 𝑥 ≤ 2.7
3.5 2.7 < 𝑥 ≤ 11.28
2
𝑓(𝑥) = 9.43𝑥 2− 215.75𝑥 + 1237.3 11.28 < 𝑥 ≤ 11.57
−1.55𝑥 + 37.07𝑥 − 217.99 11.57 < 𝑥 ≤ 12.282
1.356𝑥 2 − 34.82𝑥 + 226.6 12.282 < 𝑥 ≤ 13.44
−0.145𝑥 2 + 4.08𝑥 − 25.08 13.44 < 𝑥 ≤ 17.71
{ 1.95 17.71 < 𝑥 ≤ 19.6

4
When all these equations are plotted, it looks like this:
Image 2: Bottle 1 with graphs

Bottle 2

Image 3: Bottle 2 (AH Water)

The same process can be
y
applied to model the second
bottle.
Image 3 shows the AH water
x bottle placed on a graphing
grid in which there are six
dotted lines across the x-axis,
representing the different
sections of the bottle that will
get graphed. Points 1, 2, and
3 on the graph will be used to construct the first parabola. The formulas that will be used are:
𝑦 = 𝑎𝑥 3 + 𝑏𝑥 2 + 𝑐𝑥 + 𝑑
𝑦 = 𝑎𝑥 2 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐
The three points shown in the image will be substituted into the formula and then will be equated with
each other to obtain an accurate equation.
Point 1 = (0, 2.5) → 2.5 = 𝑎(0)3 + 𝑏(0)2 + 𝑐(0) + 𝑑 → 2.5 = 0
Point 2 = (1, 3.2) → 3.2 = 𝑎(1)3 + 𝑏(1)2 + 𝑐(1) + 𝑑 → 3.2 = 𝑎 + 𝑏 + 𝑐 + 𝑑
Point 3 = (2, 3.3) → 3.3 = 𝑎(2)3 + 𝑏(2)2 + 𝑐(2) + 𝑑 → 3.3 = 8𝑎 + 4𝑏 + 2𝑐 + 𝑑
Using GDC you can equate these three equations with each other to get the final equation:
𝑓(𝑥) = 0.2𝑥 3 − 0.9𝑥 2 + 1.4𝑥 + 2.5

5
Following the same method of collecting three points, substituting them into the formula, and equating
them with each other, we end up with the following piecewise function:
0.2𝑥3 − 0.9𝑥2 + 1.4𝑥 + 2.5 0≤𝑥≤2
3.3 2 < 𝑥 ≤ 10.5
𝑓(𝑥) = 0.2𝑥2 − 4.9𝑥 + 32.7 10.5 < 𝑥 ≤ 13.4
−0.179𝑥2 + 5.35𝑥 − 36.6 13.4 < 𝑥 ≤ 18.2
{ 1.4 18.2 < 𝑥 ≤ 20.45

When all the equation are plotted it look like this:

Image 4: Bottle 2 with graphs
y

Calculating Total Surface Area

Bottle 1

The total surface area of the bottles will be calculated using formula (1) as stated on page 3 and the area
of a circle formula.

The first step will be to calculate the surface area of the top and bottom of the bottle. For this, an
assumption is being made that they are perfect circles, meaning that the final answer will be an
approximation. This is calculated using the radius of the circles given by the value of 𝑦 at the top left
corner of the bottle (base circle) and top right corner of the bottle (bottle cap) in image 5.

6
Image 5: Bottle 1 with bottom and top base marked
y The coordinate of the bottom
base is: (0.25, 2.5)
The coordinate of the top base
is: (19.6, 1.95)
x
This means that radius to
calculate the area of the
bottom base is 2.5cm and to
calculate the area of top base
is 1.95cm.
These values can be substituted into the formula to obtain a value.
𝐴𝐵𝑜𝑡𝑡𝑜𝑚 = 𝜋(2.5)2 𝐴 𝑇𝑜𝑝 = 𝜋(1.95)2
𝐴𝐵𝑜𝑡𝑡𝑜𝑚 = 2.65𝜋 𝐴 𝑇𝑜𝑝 = 3.8𝜋
Using GDP and rounding to 2d.p
𝐴𝐵𝑜𝑡𝑡𝑜𝑚 = 19.63𝑐𝑚2 𝐴 𝑇𝑜𝑝 = 11.95𝑐𝑚2
The area of the bottom base is 19.63𝑐𝑚2 and the top base is 11.95𝑐𝑚2 , giving a total of 𝟑𝟏. 𝟓𝟖𝒄𝒎𝟐 .
This value is important as the formula used to calculate the surface area only takes in account the lateral
surface area. This means that it does not include the base and top of the bottle, which is why this value
will be added to the surface area value found later.
The formula that will be used to calculate the surface area of this bottle is:
Formula (1) on page 3 where 𝑟 stands for radius. Since the radius varies across the length of the bottle,
it can be represented as the piecewise function, 𝑓(𝑥), to calculate the radius at any given 𝑥-value.

𝑏
𝑑𝑦 2
∫ 2𝜋𝑦 √1 + ( ) 𝑑𝑥
𝑎 𝑑𝑥

The equations in the piecewise function will be substituted in this formula to calculate the area of
each segment. As example, the area of first segment will be calculated using the below functions:
𝑥 = 0 → 𝑥 = 2.35, 𝑦 = −0.287𝑥 2 + 1.23𝑥 + 2.34
𝑑𝑦
of the function −0.287𝑥 2 + 1.23𝑥 + 2.34 can be found by using the rule 𝑎𝑛𝑥 𝑛−1 , which would lead
𝑑𝑥

to: −0.287(2𝑥1 ) + 1.23(𝑥 0 ) + 2.34(0𝑥 −1 ), after simplifying it will equal: −0.574𝑥 + 1.23 and can
be used in the following steps:
2.345
∫ 2𝜋(−0.287𝑥 2 + 1.23𝑥 + 2.34)√1 + (−0.574𝑥 + 1.23)2 𝑑𝑥
0

This equation can now be simplified by removing the decimal places and turning them into fractions
to make the manual calculation simpler.

7
 2.345
287𝑥 2 123𝑥 117 287𝑥 123 2
∫ 2𝜋 (− + + ) √1 + (− + ) 𝑑𝑥
0 1000 100 50 500 100
This equation will get expanded by opening the brackets and multiplying the values by each other.
2.345 287𝜋𝑥 2√1681(7𝑥−15)2+250000)
∫0 (− +
250000

123𝜋𝑥√1681(7𝑥−15)2+250000) 117𝜋√1681(7𝑥−15)2+250000)
+ )𝑑𝑥
25000 12500

To simplify even further, this equation can be split into three separate parts. This makes it both easier
to visualize and calculate.
287𝜋 2.345 2 123𝜋 2.345
− 250000 ∫0 𝑥 √(1681(7𝑥 − 15)2 + 250000)) + 25000 ∫0 𝑥√(1681(7𝑥 − 15)2 + 250000)) +

117𝜋 2.345
∫ √(1681(7𝑥 − 15)2 + 250000))𝑑𝑥
12500 0

Now using GDC and simplifying to 2d.p, an approximation of the surface area can be calculated:
56.28589783541981 ≈ 56.29
This value, 56.29𝑐𝑚2 , is the lateral surface area of the first segment of the bottle in the given limit.

This same method can be applied to all the other segments to get the total lateral surface area of this
bottle. All the equations added together look like:

2.345
𝑆𝐴𝐿𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑙 = 2𝜋 ∫ (−0.287𝑥 2 + 1.23𝑥 + 2.34)√1 + (−0.574𝑥 + 1.23)2 𝑑𝑥
0
2.7 11.279
+ 2𝜋 ∫ (7.5𝑥 2 − 38.25𝑥 + 52.1)√1 + (15𝑥 − 38.25)2 𝑑𝑥 + 2𝜋 ∫ (3.5)√1 𝑑𝑥
2.345 2.7
11.571
+ 2𝜋 ∫ (9.43𝑥 2 − 215.75𝑥 + 1237.3)√1 + (18.86𝑥 − 215.75)2 𝑑𝑥
11.279
12.282
+ 2𝜋 ∫ (−1.55𝑥 2 + 37.07𝑥 − 217.99)√1 + (−3.1𝑥 + 37.07)2 𝑑𝑥
11.571
13.443
+ 2𝜋 ∫ (1.356𝑥 2 − 34.82𝑥 + 226.6)√1 + (2.712𝑥 − 34.82)2 𝑑𝑥
12.828
17.708
+ 2𝜋 ∫ (−0.145𝑥 2 + 4.08𝑥 − 25.08)√1 + (−0.29𝑥 + 4.08)2 𝑑𝑥
13.443
19.6
+ 2𝜋 ∫ (1.95)√1 𝑑𝑥
17.708

Using the same method as before and GDC (answer rounded to 2d.p), the answer is:
56.28589784 + 13.616268 + 188.6620636 + 11.01794135 + 18.84522086 + 31.43335353 +
91.67995254 + 23.18118387 = 434.7218716 ≈ 𝟒𝟑𝟒. 𝟕𝟐
434.72𝑐𝑚2 is the total lateral surface area of this bottle, it is not the total surface area. To obtain
that value, the area of the bottom and top base needs to be added to the lateral surface area.

8
 𝑆𝐴 𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 = 𝐴𝐵𝑜𝑡𝑡𝑜𝑚 + 𝐴 𝑇𝑜𝑝 + 𝑆𝐴𝐿𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑙
𝑆𝐴 𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 = 19.63 + 11.95 + 434.72
𝑆𝐴 𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 = 466.3𝑐𝑚2
This was the process of finding the surface area of bottle 1 (vitamin water), the total surface area is
approximately 𝟒𝟔𝟔. 𝟑𝒄𝒎𝟐 .

Throughout this exploration, all the values will be rounded to 2 decimal places as that keeps the number
understandable and simpler to work with. Rounding them to one decimal place would end up with lower
accuracy whereas rounding to three decimal places would make the numbers bigger and much more
complicated to work with.

Bottle 2

The same method will be used to find the surface area of bottle two, the first step will be to calculate
the area of the top and bottom base of the bottle.

Image 6: Bottle 2 with bottom and top base marked

y
The coordinate of the bottom base
is: (0, 2.5)
The coordinate of the top base is:
x (20.35, 1.5)
This means that radius to calculate
the area of the bottom base is
2.5cm and the radius the calculate
the top base is 1.5cm

These values can be substituted into the formula to obtain a value.

𝐴𝐵𝑜𝑡𝑡𝑜𝑚 = 𝜋(2.5)2 𝐴 𝑇𝑜𝑝 = 𝜋(1.5)2
𝐴𝐵𝑜𝑡𝑡𝑜𝑚 = 2.65𝜋 𝐴 𝑇𝑜𝑝 = 2.25𝜋
Using GDC and rounding to 2d.p
𝐴𝐵𝑜𝑡𝑡𝑜𝑚 = 19.63𝑐𝑚2 𝐴 𝑇𝑜𝑝 = 7.07𝑐𝑚2
The area of the bottom base is 19.63𝑐𝑚2 and the top base is 7.07𝑐𝑚2 , giving a total area of 𝟐𝟔. 𝟕𝒄𝒎𝟐.
This value is important as the formula used to calculate the surface area only takes in account the lateral
surface area. This means that it does not include the base and top of the bottle, which is why this value
will be added to the surface area value found later.

9
 The formula that will be used to calculate the surface area of this bottle is:
Formula (1) on page 3 where 𝑟 stands for radius. Since the radius varies across the length of the bottle,
it can be represented as the piecewise function, 𝑓(𝑥), to calculate the radius at any given 𝑥-value.

𝑏
𝑑𝑦 2
∫ 2𝜋𝑦 √1 + ( ) 𝑑𝑥
𝑎 𝑑𝑥

The steps of calculating with this formula have already been explained above, thus will not be repeated.
All the equations added together look like:
2
𝑆𝐴𝐿𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑙 = 2𝜋 ∫ (0.2𝑥 3 − 0.9𝑥 2 + 1.4𝑥 + 2.5)√1 + (0.6𝑥 2 − 1.8𝑥 + 1.4)2 𝑑𝑥
0
10.5 13.4
+ 2𝜋 ∫ (3.3)√1 𝑑𝑥 + 2𝜋 ∫ (0.2𝑥 2 − 4.9𝑥 + 32.7 )√1 + (0.4𝑥 − 4.9)2 𝑑𝑥
2. 10.5
18.2
+ 2𝜋 ∫ (−0.179𝑥 2 + 5.35𝑥 − 36.6 )√1 + (−0.358𝑥 + 5.35)2 𝑑𝑥
13.4
20.45
+ 2𝜋 ∫ (1.4)√1 𝑑𝑥
18.2

Using the same method as before and GDC (answer rounded to 2d.p), the answer is:
43.51174101 + 176.2433478 + 55.12190774 + 97.96758492 + 19.79203372 =
392.6366153 ≈ 𝟑𝟗𝟐. 𝟔𝟒

392.64𝑐𝑚2 is the total lateral surface area of this bottle, it is not the total surface area. To obtain that
value, the area of the bottom and top base needs to be added to the lateral surface area.
𝑆𝐴 𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 = 𝐴𝐵𝑜𝑡𝑡𝑜𝑚 + 𝐴 𝑇𝑜𝑝 + 𝑆𝐴𝐿𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑙
𝑆𝐴 𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 = 19.63 + 7.07 + 392.64
𝑆𝐴 𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 = 419.34𝑐𝑚2
This was the process of finding the surface area of bottle 1 (AH water), the total surface area is
approximately 𝟒𝟏𝟗. 𝟑𝟒𝒄𝒎𝟐 .

After calculating the total surface area of both bottles, it can be concluded that:
Surface area bottle 1 > Surface area bottle 2
466.3𝑐𝑚2 > 419.34𝑐𝑚2
Now it’s time to find the exact percentage of the difference between both bottles. This is done by
subtracting the smaller number from the bigger:
466.3 − 419.34 = 46.96
And then dividing that answer by the bigger value:
46.96
= 0.1007
466.3

10
 Finally, the last step is to multiply the answer by 100:
0.1007 × 100 = 10.07

The total surface area of bottle 1 (vitamin water) is 10.07% greater than bottle 2. This means that bottle
1 will be more efficient in cooling water, and this is the bottle that will be continued with in this
exploration. Personally, I was not expecting this result as by looking at the shape and curves of the
bottle I had assumed that the surface area of bottle 2 would’ve been greater than the surface area of
bottle 1. This just shows how mathematics can be used in this kind of real-life situation to find the truth
and understand the difference that surface area can make.
Moving on, using this information I can now investigate the two different methods of cooling
a bottle. The two methods are placing the bottle horizontally compared to vertically, in the end to
position with the most surface area being touched by liquid is the one that is most efficient. Part 1 of
this exploration was to first identify which one of the two bottle was more efficient.

Part 2 (Vertical vs Horizontal)

Now that Part 1 of this exploration is complete, we now know that bottle 1 (vitamin water) is the one
with a larger total surface area. That is the reason why only bottle 1 will be seen in Part 2 of the
exploration. This is the part in which I will calculate the total surface area of the bottle that is touching
liquid when it is standing vertically and lying horizontally. This information will tell which position is
the most efficient in terms of cooling the water. The first surface area that will be calculated is when
the bottle is standing vertically.

Vertically Placed Bottle

To calculate the total surface area of the bottle placed vertically, the same steps will be repeated from
part 1. However, there is one difference. The actual bottle has a capacity to hold 500ml of liquid, but to
make is more visible for the exploration I have filled the bottle with 450ml. This means that now I will
not be using the entire bottle, instead will only be using the amount that gets filled.

11
Image 7: Bottle 1 standing vertically
y Image 7 shows a vertically
placed bottle, the reason why
it is shown horizontally is to
make it simpler to calculate
x with the two axis. If the
bottle was vertically placed
on the graph, then the axis
would shift meaning that the
calculations in part 1 could
not be used. The thick black
line on the graph indicates the height of the liquid when the bottle was filled with 450ml of liquid. The
reason why I haven’t put an image of a bottle filled with 450ml is because that image is not clear enough
and would make it more difficult to work with. The formula of that line is:
𝑦 = 15.2
The limits of some of the equations will have to be adjusted as the liquid only fills up till 15.2cm.

Modelling the Bottle

The first step now would be to model the bottle till the height of the liquid. This will be done using the
same equations but changing the Y range from 0 to 15.2 instead of 19.6.
The equations that model the bottle are shown in this piecewise function:

−0.287𝑥 2 + 1.23𝑥 + 2.34 0 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 2.35

7.5𝑥 2 − 38.25𝑥 + 52.1 2.35 < 𝑥 ≤ 2.7
3.5 2.7 < 𝑥 ≤ 11.28
𝑓(𝑥) = 9.43𝑥 2 − 215.75𝑥 + 1237.3 11.28 < 𝑥 ≤ 11.57
−1.55𝑥 2 + 37.07𝑥 − 217.99 11.57 < 𝑥 ≤ 12.282
1.356𝑥 2 − 34.82𝑥 + 226.6 12.282 < 𝑥 ≤ 13.44
{ −0.145𝑥 2 + 4.08𝑥 − 25.08 13.44 < 𝑥 ≤ 15.2

Calculating the Surface Area

The method used to calculate the surface area of the segment of the bottle will be the same as before.
The first step will be to calculate the base of the bottle, calculating the top in not needed as the liquid
does not touch that part of the bottle. The area of the bottom has already been calculated in previous
section as:
𝐴𝐵𝑜𝑡𝑡𝑜𝑚 = 19.63𝑐𝑚2

12
The next step is to calculate the lateral surface area of the bottle, this has also already been done before.
The only difference is that some of the limits will be different as it only goes up until 15.2.

Based on the previous calculation, all the equations added together will look like:
2.345
𝑆𝐴𝑉𝑒𝑟𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙 = 2𝜋 ∫ (−0.287𝑥 2 + 1.23𝑥 + 2.34)√1 + (−0.574𝑥 + 1.23)2 𝑑𝑥
0
2.7 11.279
+ 2𝜋 ∫ (7.5𝑥 2 − 38.25𝑥 + 52.1)√1 + (15𝑥 − 38.25)2 𝑑𝑥 + 2𝜋 ∫ (3.5)√1 𝑑𝑥
2.345 2.7
11.571
+ 2𝜋 ∫ (9.43𝑥 2 − 215.75𝑥 + 1237.3)√1 + (18.86𝑥 − 215.75)2 𝑑𝑥
11.279
12.282
+ 2𝜋 ∫ (−1.55𝑥 2 + 37.07𝑥 − 217.99)√1 + (−3.1𝑥 + 37.07)2 𝑑𝑥
11.571
13.443
+ 2𝜋 ∫ (1.356𝑥 2 − 34.82𝑥 + 226.6)√1 + (2.712𝑥 − 34.82)2 𝑑𝑥
12.828
15.2
+ 2𝜋 ∫ (−0.145𝑥 2 + 4.08𝑥 − 25.08)√1 + (−0.29𝑥 + 4.08)2 𝑑𝑥
13.443

Using the same method as before and GDC (answer rounded to 2d.p), the answer is:
56.28589784 + 13.616268 + 188.6620636 + 11.01794135 + 18.84522086 + 31.43335353 +
39.97429492 = 345.2965641 ≈ 𝟑𝟒𝟓. 𝟑𝟎
345.30𝑐𝑚2 is the total lateral surface area of the vertical segment of the bottle, it is not the total
surface area. To obtain that value, the area of the bottom needs to be added to the lateral surface area.
𝑆𝐴 𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙𝑉 = 𝐴𝐵𝑜𝑡𝑡𝑜𝑚 + 𝑆𝐴𝑉𝑒𝑟𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙
𝑆𝐴 𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙𝑉 = 19.63 + 345.30
𝑆𝐴 𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙𝑉 = 364.93𝑐𝑚2

The surface area when bottle stands vertically is approximately 𝟑𝟔𝟒. 𝟗𝟑𝒄𝒎𝟐 .
Now it’s time to find the percentage of the total surface area that is touched by liquid when standing
vertically. This is done by dividing surface area when standing vertically by the total surface area:

364.93
= 0.7826
466.3
The final step is to multiply the answer by 100:
0.7826 × 100 = 78.26
The total surface area of the bottle when standing that touches the liquid is equal to 78.26% of the total
surface area of the bottle. This value will later be compared with the value of the surface area when
laying horizontally.

13
Horizontally Placed Bottle
To calculate the total surface area of the bottle laying vertically, a similar process will be repeated.
However, there will be some changes made to formula used to calculate the surface area.

Modelling the Bottle

Imagine 8: Bottle 1 laying horizontally

y The equations to model this bottle
have already been found, but now
the limits will change again. The
dark black line in the graph shows
x
where the water would stop when
the bottle lays horizontally.
The x-value where the curve
intersects the line is; 𝑦 = 1.95.

The equations that model the bottle are shown in this piecewise function:

−0.287𝑥 2 + 1.23𝑥 + 2.34 0 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 2.35

7.5𝑥 2 − 38.25𝑥 + 52.1 2.35 < 𝑥 ≤ 2.7
3.5 2.7 < 𝑥 ≤ 11.28
𝑓(𝑥) = 9.43𝑥 2 − 215.75𝑥 + 1237.3 11.28 < 𝑥 ≤ 11.57
−1.55𝑥 2 + 37.07𝑥 − 217.99 11.57 < 𝑥 ≤ 12.282
1.356𝑥 2 − 34.82𝑥 + 226.6 12.282 < 𝑥 ≤ 13.44
{−0.145𝑥 2 + 4.08𝑥 − 25.08 13.44 < 𝑥 ≤ 17.463

14
Deriving the Formula

The formula that has been used in the previous sections to calculate the surface area cannot be applied
because it calculates the total surface area at the given x-value. That will not work in this situation as
the liquid is not in contact with the upper portion of the cross-section. Instead, I will be finding the
surface area of the top part (part that is not touched by liquid) and subtract it with the total area of the
segment. To do this, I will first have to find a function in terms
of 𝜃, this will allow me to calculate the length of the given
sector.
The circle on the right represents how the bottle would
look like if you were to slice it open. The line shown by 𝑥 is
where the liquid stops. The distance from 𝑂 to 𝑥 is 2.2 because
the total length of the liquid is 5.85 (the bottom up until the x-
line). We already know that 𝑟 the radius is 3.65.
So then 5.85 − 3.65 = 2.2.
To find a formula to calculate 𝜃, the first step will be to cut the triangle in half so that you have
two 90° triangle. This will make it simpler and as now you will be able to use the trigonometric rule
of SOH CAH TOA. The point of doing this is also to calculate the value of 𝑎, once we have this
value, we also have value 𝑥. With that it will be possible to use the cosine role on the larger triangle to
get a formula for 𝜃. To find 𝑎, the Pythagoras theorem will be used.

𝑥 = 2𝑎
𝑟 = √(2.2)2 + 𝑎 2
𝑟 2 = 2. 22 + 𝑎 2
𝑎 2 = 𝑟 2 − 2. 22
𝑎 = √𝑟 2 − 2. 22
𝑥 = 2√𝑟 2 − 2. 22

Now that 𝑥 has been defined, we can use the cosine rule to find a formula for 𝜃 using the whole triangle.

𝑟 2 +𝑟 2 −𝑥 2 2𝑟 2 −(2√𝑟 2 −2.22 )2 2𝑟 2 −(2√𝑟 2 −2.22 )2

cos 𝜃 = → cos 𝜃 = → 𝜃 = cos −1 ( ) →
2(𝑟)(𝑟) 2𝑟 2 2𝑟 2

2𝑟 2 4(𝑟 2 −2.22) 2(𝑟 2 −2.22) 𝑟2 2.22

𝜃 = cos −1 (2𝑟2 − ) → 𝜃 = cos −1 (1 − ) → 𝜃 = cos −1 (1 − 2 (𝑟2 − ))
2𝑟 2 𝑟2 𝑟2

2𝑟 2 2×2.22 2×2.22 2×4.84

𝜃 = cos −1 (1 − ( − )) → 𝜃 = cos −1 (1 − 2 + ) → 𝜃 = cos −1 (−1 + )
𝑟2 𝑟2 𝑟2 𝑟2

9.68 𝟗.𝟔𝟖
𝜃 = cos −1 (−1 + ) → 𝜽 = 𝐜𝐨𝐬−𝟏 ( − 𝟏)
𝑟2 𝒓𝟐

15
Now that 𝜃 is defined, we can move on to the next step, which is finding the arc length of a sector by
using the formula:
𝜃
𝐴𝑙 = 2𝜋𝑟
360
After substituting 𝜃, with the equation that was just calculated. We get:
9.68
cos −1 ( 2 − 1)
𝐴𝑙 = 2𝜋𝑟 ( 𝑟 )
360

𝑟 in the formula stands for radius, which can be replaced with 𝑦 as the functions found earlier can
calculate the radius of the shape at any given 𝑥-value.
This formula will now we added onto the previous formula that was being used to calculate the lateral
surface of the bottle.
9.68
cos−1 ( − 1)
𝑏
𝑑𝑦 2 𝑦2
√
∫ 2𝜋𝑦 1 + ( ) ( ) 𝑑𝑥
𝑎 𝑑𝑥 360

This is the formula that will be used to calculate the surface area of the plastic part of the bottle that
does not touch the liquid.

Calculating the Surface Area

To calculate the surface area, I need to substitute a function that has been previously calculated with
𝑓(𝑥). This calculation will not be done manually as it goes beyond the syllabus and is simply too
complicated. Instead, GDC will be used, and the answer will be rounded to 2d.p.
9.68
cos−1( 2−1)
2.345 (−0.287𝑥2 +1.23𝑥+2.34)
∫0 2𝜋(−0.287𝑥 2 + 1.23𝑥 + 2.34)√1 + (−0.574𝑥 + 1.23)2 ( ) 𝑑𝑥 +
360

9.68
cos−1( 2−1)
2.7 (7.5𝑥2 −38.25𝑥+52.1)
∫2.345 2𝜋(7.5𝑥 2 − 38.25𝑥 + 52.1)√1 + (15𝑥 − 38.25)2 ( 360
) 𝑑𝑥 +

9.68
11.279 cos−1( −1) 11.571
3.52
∫2.7 2𝜋(3.5)√1 ( ) 𝑑𝑥 + ∫11.279 2π(9.43x2 − 215.75x +
360

9.68
cos−1( 2 −1)
(9.43x2 −215.75x+1237.3) 12.282
1237.3)√1 + (18.86x − 215.75)2 ( ) 𝑑𝑥 + ∫11.571 2𝜋(−1.55x2 + 37.07x −
360

9.68
cos−1( 2−1)
(−1.55x2 +37.07x−217.99) 13.443
217.99)√1 + (−3.1x + 37.07)2 ( ) 𝑑𝑥 + ∫12.828 2𝜋(1.356𝑥 2 − 34.82𝑥 +
360

9.68
cos−1( 2 −1)
(1.356𝑥2 −34.82𝑥+226.6 ) 17.463
226.6)√1 + (2.712𝑥 − 34.82)2 ( ) 𝑑𝑥 + ∫13.443 2𝜋(−0.145𝑥 2 + 4.08𝑥 −
360

9.68
cos−1( 2 −1)
(−0.145𝑥2 +4.08𝑥−25.08)
25.08)√1 + (−0.29𝑥 + 4.08)2 ( ) 𝑑𝑥
360

16
Using GDC, this becomes:
14.35 + 3.80 + 53.51 + 2.99 + 5.45 + 8.27 + 20.89 = 109.26
To find the surface area of the bottle that is touching the liquid, this answer must be subtracted from the
total surface area.
466.3 − 109.26 = 357.04
𝑆𝐴 𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙𝐻 = 357.04𝑐𝑚2
The surface area when bottle lays horizontally is approximately 𝟑𝟓𝟕. 𝟎𝟒𝒄𝒎𝟐 .
Now it’s time to find the percentage of the total surface area that is touched by liquid when standing
vertically. This is done by dividing surface area when standing vertically by the total surface area:
357.04
= 0.7657
466.3
The final step is to multiply the answer by 100:
0.7657 × 100 = 76.57
The total surface area of the bottle that touches the liquid when laying down is equal to 76.57% of the
total surface area of the bottle.

17
Conclusion

After all these endless pages of working out and calculating the surface area, I have finally reached a
conclusion. To be as efficient as possible, it’s best to place the bottle vertically standing in the fridge.
From this exploration, it was proven that when the bottle is placed vertically the surface area of liquid
touching the surface is greater than when it is placed horizontally. This information I will always keep
in mind.

During the process of this exploration, there was one main challenge that I had to encounter. I knew
nothing about calculus. Our class had not reached the topic of calculus which meant that I had to self-
study. This was a challenge as I had to study calculus on my own time, but also had to remain focused
on the content that we were working on in math class. Other than this, there were only minor issues
such as calculator problems, etc.

After having done this exploration, I have gained a newfound respect for mathematics. Before this, I
never really thought about the real-life application for complex math concepts such as calculus. But
now I understand that if you try hard enough, then you can truly see math everywhere. Now, every time
I look at a water bottle, I start to imagine parabolas and functions around it. Overall, I feel that this was
a very important experience for me as it has gotten me more interested and engaged in mathematics.

18
Bibliography

“Graphing Calculator.” Desmos, www.desmos.com/calculator. Accessed 22 Nov. 2023.

OpenStaxCollege. “Calculus Volume 1.” 6.4 Arc Length of a Curve and Surface Area |
Calculus Volume 1, 1 Feb. 2016, courses.lumenlearning.com/suny-openstax-
calculus1/chapter/arc-length-of-a-curve-and-surface-
area/#:~:text=Surface%20Area%20%3D%20∫%20a%20b,)%20)%202%20)%20d%20x
%20.&text=Surface%20Area%3D∫dc,)%20)%202%20)%20d%20y%20.

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