The third project version below focuses on Trigonometry, Angles, and Structural Scale
Drawing. It applies geometric calculations to design and verify a safe wheelchair
accessibility ramp for a school building entrance.
MATHEMATICS O-LEVEL SCHOOL-BASED PROJECT
Project Title: Applying Trigonometric Functions and Angles of Elevation to Design
an Accessible School Ramp
Candidate Name: [Insert Your Name]
Candidate Number / Index: [Insert Index Number]
Center Name: [Insert School Name]
Subject: Mathematics O-Level
Year: 2026
Stage 1: Problem Identification & Statement of Intent
1.1 Description of the Problem
The main entrance of our school assembly hall is only accessible via three stone steps. This
physical barrier prevents students using wheelchairs or injured learners from entering the
facility independently. To comply with modern inclusive infrastructure policies, the school
administration needs to build a concrete access ramp. However, they must calculate the exact
length and slope angle required to ensure the ramp is safe and manageable.
1.2 Statement of Intent
This project uses right-angled triangles, trigonometric ratios ($\sin$, $\cos$, $\tan$), and
Pythagoras' theorem to design a functional accessibility ramp. The calculations will ensure
the ramp matches international safety regulations while minimizing building material costs.
1.3 Objectives
To measure the total vertical elevation (height) of the existing assembly hall steps.
To apply trigonometric functions to determine the minimum horizontal runway length
needed for a safe slope angle.
To calculate the total surface length of the ramp using Pythagoras' theorem.
To construct a precise mathematical scale drawing of the structural profile for the
construction team.
Stage 2: Data Collection & Investigation of Related Ideas
2.1 Research Methodology
Primary height data was collected by measuring the rise of each step at the hall entrance
using a metric ruler. Safety standards were sourced from public building safety guidelines,
which specify that an ideal wheelchair ramp must have an angle of elevation ($\theta$) of
exactly $5^\circ$. Angles steeper than $7^\circ$ are considered unsafe for independent
travel.
2.2 Collected Primary Data
Number of existing steps: 3 steps
Height of each individual step: $15\text{ cm}$ ($0.15\text{ m}$)
Total Vertical Rise ($H$): $3 \times 0.15\text{ m} = 0.45\text{ m}$
Target Angle of Elevation ($\theta$): $5^\circ$
Stage 3: Mathematical Calculations & Development of Ideas
3.1 Structural Modeling as a Right-Angled Triangle
The ramp structure can be modeled as a right-angled triangle $ABC$, where:
Side $AB$ is the vertical rise ($H = 0.45\text{ m}$).
Side $BC$ is the horizontal ground distance ($X$).
Side $AC$ is the actual slanted surface length of the ramp ($L$).
Angle $ACB$ is the angle of elevation ($\theta = 5^\circ$).
3.2 Calculating Horizontal Ground Distance ($X$)
Using the tangent trigonometric ratio ($\tan \theta = \frac{\text{Opposite}}{\text{Adjacent}}
$):
$$\tan(5^\circ) = \frac{0.45}{X}$$
Rearranging the formula to solve for $X$:
$$X = \frac{0.45}{\tan(5^\circ)}$$
$$X = \frac{0.45}{0.08749} \approx 5.143\text{ m}$$
The horizontal ground clearance needed for the ramp is $5.14\text{ m}$.
3.3 Calculating Slanted Ramp Surface Length ($L$)
We can verify the slanted length using two different methods to ensure precision.
Method A: Using Pythagoras' Theorem ($A^2 + B^2 = C^2$)
$$L^2 = H^2 + X^2$$
$$L^2 = (0.45)^2 + (5.143)^2$$
$$L^2 = 0.2025 + 26.4504 = 26.6529$$
$$L = \sqrt{26.6529} \approx 5.163\text{ m}$$
Method B: Using the Sine Ratio ($\sin \theta = \frac{\text{Opposite}}{\
text{Hypotenuse}}$)
$$\sin(5^\circ) = \frac{0.45}{L}$$
$$L = \frac{0.45}{\sin(5^\circ)}$$
$$L = \frac{0.45}{0.08716} \approx 5.163\text{ m}$$
Both independent methods confirm that the running surface of the ramp must be exactly
$5.16\text{ m}$.
Stage 4: Presentation and Interpretation of Results
4.1 Structural Parameter Summary
The calculated physical dimensions required to build the ramp safely are summarized below:
Geometric Parameter Mathematical Architectural Application
Value
Vertical Rise ($H$) $0.45\text{ m}$ Total height of the entry platform
Angle of Elevation ($\ $5.0^\circ$ Safe slope for manual wheelchairs
theta$)
Horizontal Base ($X$) $5.14\text{ m}$ Required ground space clear of
obstacles
Slanted Length ($L$) $5.16\text{ m}$ Total concrete surface area length to
build
4.2 Scale Drawing Representation (Scale 1:50)
To present these results visually for engineering implementation, the metrics are converted
using a scale ratio of 1:50 (where $1\text{ cm}$ on paper represents $50\text{ cm}$ in
reality).
Map Vertical Height: $45\text{ cm} \div 50 = 0.9\text{ cm}$
Map Horizontal Base: $514.3\text{ cm} \div 50 = 10.3\text{ cm}$
Stage 5: Conclusion & Recommendations
5.1 Conclusion
Applying trigonometric relationships successfully resolved the school safety design
challenge. To safely bridge a vertical platform rise of $0.45\text{ m}$ at an optimal structural
slope angle of $5^\circ$, the construction layout requires a concrete ramp surface length of
exactly $5.16\text{ m}$.
5.2 Recommendations
Site Allocation: The building committee must clear a horizontal distance of at least
$5.15\text{ m}$ in front of the assembly hall steps to allow for the base of the ramp.
Material Procurement: Concrete volume estimates must be budgeted based on a
right-angled triangular prism model with a base length of $5.14\text{ m}$ and a
height of $0.45\text{ m}$.
Safety Features: A non-slip textured finish should be added to the surface of the
$5.16\text{ m}$ runway to provide maximum tire traction during rainy weather.
If you want to tweak this design project further, let me know:
If you want to change the height of the steps to match a specific building at your
school.
If you want to calculate the total volume of concrete needed to fill the ramp
structure.
If your school syllabus requires specific geometric proofs or extra theorem steps.