Title Page
Year of Examination: 2024
Subject: Pure Mathematics
Unit: One (1)
Candidate Names and Numbers:
JENNA MOO-PENN 1000251443
CHELSEA PINGUE 1000251621
ROMAINE MILLER 10000251419
RAYON PUSEY 1000251656
ALICIA DIXON 1000250455
BEYONCÉ BROWN 1000250218
Title of Project: An Investigation into the Application of the differentiation method using
Mathematical Concepts to solve real-world problems.
Name of Teacher: Leon Thompson (Mr.)
CARIBBEAN ADVANCED PROFICIENCY EXAMINATION
PURE MATHEMATICS
INTERNAL ASSESSMENT
School: deCarteret College
Registration Number:100025
Centre Number: 100025
Year of Examination: 2024
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Title Page #
Project Title.........................................................................................................................4
Statement Of Problem.........................................................................................................5 - 6
Introduction.........................................................................................................................7
Identification Of Important Elements..................................................................................8
Mathematical Formulation and Problem Solution...............................................................9 - 12
Discussion of Findings........................................................................................................13 - 14
Conclusion ..........................................................................................................................15
Reference.............................................................................................................................16
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Project Title
An Investigation into the Application of the differentiation method with the use of Mathematical
Concepts to solve real-world problems.
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Statement Of Problem
A company need to move some cargo and has two options:
Option 1:
Additionally, a manufacturer wants to carry more cargo. The cost per hour for fuel to run a train
2
v
US ; v is the speed in km/hr −1. Other costs including labor are US$300 per hour.
v
Find how fast the train should travel on a 360 km trip to minimize the cost of the trip.
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Option 2:
The diagram above shows a flight plan from a private cay, 5 km offshore, to an airstrip as shown
on the diagram. An aviation firm wishes to minimize flying over water for a particular route over
safety concerns. Due to choppy seas and turbulence over water, it costs twice as much to fly over
water as it does over land.
Therefore, determine the value for ‘ x ’ to achieve the minimal cost for the flight.
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Introduction
Differentiation is a fundamental concept in calculus that involves finding the rate at which a
quantity changes. It allows us to analyze how a function behaves as its input changes,
determining its slope or rate of change at any given point. In essence, differentiation enables us
to understand how variables evolve and interact within mathematical models, making it a
powerful tool for solving a wide range of problems.
Calculus is a branch of mathematics that deals with the study of change and motion. It
provides techniques for analyzing and modelling continuous processes by focusing on concepts
such as derivatives, integrals, and limits. Calculus is divided into two main branches: differential
calculus, which examines rates of change and slopes of curves, and integral calculus, which deals
with the accumulation of quantities and the computation of areas under curves.
It is a foundational tool in various fields such as physics, engineering, economics, and
biology, enabling us to understand and solve complex real-world problems. To further
investigate the topic of calculus, the use of differentiation and other mathematical formulas were
utilized to find the most efficient way to decipher the minimal cost of a flight seeing that flying
over water costs twice as much as flying over land. We aim to conduct our work with efficiency
and effectiveness, while also being prepared for any unforeseen obstacles that may arise. This
maximizes satisfactory results and for us to successfully meet the end goals of the project.
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Identification Of Important Elements
Several factors had to be considered before calculations could start. These include:
1. Physical Limitations: Consider the physical limitations of the train and its cargo. Faster
speeds may result in higher wear and tear on the train and its components.
2. Efficiency: Higher speeds may result in higher fuel consumption, which might be
outweighed by faster delivery times and potentially increased revenue.
3. The distance (360 km ) to be traveled.
4. Labour Costs
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Mathematical Formulation and Problem Solution
Option 1 :
Determine the value for ‘ x ’ to achieve the minimal cost for the flight.
Where:
t=time
−1
v=speeed ∈kmhr
We now have our prerequisites.
And C (cost) in calculated as
3
v
c= × ( t )+ 300(t)
4
360
But v=
t
2
360
( ) ×(t )
t
c= + 300(t)
4
2 ❑
360
( )
t
c= +300(t)
4
2
360 t
c= × +300 t
4t 1
Now:
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2
360 t
c (t )= × +300 t
4t 1
2 −2
dc 360 (−1 ) t
= +300=0
dt 4t
2 −2
360 2 t
300=
4
2 −2
360 2 t
300= 2
4t
2 2
300 ( 4 ) t =360
2
2 360
t =
300 ( 4 )
2
t =180
√ t2 =√180
t=10.4 hours
∴ The time for the least cost is 10.4 hours.
Time to find the speed
Which is calculated as:
360 km
v= but t=10.4 hours
t
360 −1
v= =34.62 km hr
10.4
∴ The trains need to travel at 34.62 km hr−1 to use the least amount of fuel.
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Find how fast the train should travel on a 360 km trip to minimize the cost of the trip.
D
Given the 360 km distance travelled ‘d’ and time ‘t’ the equation, V =
T
Where:
● d=18.974 km
● t=2.18 hrs
360 km
● V = 2.18
So the second derivative was needed.
(18.974 )2
d 2 c /d 2 t= ×(2)2t−3
4
360
v=
t3
360 km
¿
10.4 hrs
−1
¿ 34.62 km hr
Option 2
Finding the total distance for the airplane to travel.
Total distance:
√ 52 + x 2+ (10−x )
Total Relative Distance:
( √52 + x 2 ) ( 2 )+ ( 10−x )
¿ 2 ( √ 25+ x ) + ( 10−x )
2
1
¿ 2 ( 25+ x ) + ( 10−x )
2 2
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a) From the formula obtained from Section b above, the equation was differentiated to
find the relationship between cost and distance (x).
d ( cost )
dx
=2()
1
2
(25+ x 2)−1/ 2 ( 2 x )−1
4x
0= −1
√25+ √ x 2
4x
1=
√ 25+√ x2
2
(2 x)2=( √ 25+√ x 2 )
2 2
4 x =25+ x
2 2
4 x −x =25
2
3 x =25
2 25
x=
3
2 25
√ x =√
3
x=2.89 km
Now to find the cost given the distance x= 2.89 km.
d(cost)/ dx= 2x (25 + x2) -1 – 1 (Product rule)
dy dv du
=u + v
dx dx dx
U= 2x v= (25 +x2) -1
Du/dx= 2 dv/dx= -4x (25 + x2)-2
dy/dx= 2 (-4x(25 + x2)-2) + 2x (25 + x2)-1
dy/dx= -8x(25 + x2)-2 + 2x(25 + x2)-1
−8 x 2x
dy/dx= 4 2
+ 2
x +50 x +625 25+ x
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Discussion Of Findings
Differentiation is fundamental concept in calculus, used to determine the derivative of a
function. The derivative represents the slope or incline of the function. At a specific point x=c,
the slope of the tangent line indicates the steepness of the function for any given point x,
representing the gof the tangent line to the curve at that point. Additionally, the derivative
indicates the rate of change, measuring how one variable alters concerning another. Differential
calculus is used in real world situations such as in economics to compute marginal cost and
revenues to forecast highest profits and lowest loss. Differential calculus is also used in
chemistry to describe chemical reactions and reaction rates.
At the points on the curve where the gradient is 0, the tangent is parallel to the x-axis.
These points are called stationary points, and when this occurs there is usually a local maximum
or minimum value for y (turning points). At a maximum point, the gradient of the curve, is
changing from positive to negative; and similarly at a minimum point, the gradient of the curve
is changing from negative to positive. These facts enable us to find the turning points for y =
f(x), and to determine whether these turning points are maximum or minimum.
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Given the expression shown in the question of option 1, differentiation was used to
determine the minimal cost for the fuel pricing over the distance shown by, dc/dt. Which is the
differential of cost concerning time, from this it is said that by utilizing differentiation, the
gradient function was found which further led us to determine the gradient function. From this,
the value of t was determined to be 10.4 hours which further represents the time taken to travel
by plane with minimal cost. The time representing the minimal cost was found but now the
minimal speed was required. Judging that a formula was already provided to determine velocity,
all that was needed to do was to input the time for minimal cost and the distance to be travelled.
This the minimal velocity in the span of 10.4 hours to be 34.62 km/h.
In option 2, the total distance equation was differentiated to find the value for the
minimum distance, represented by the variable x, at which the cost is minimized. This process
involved finding the derivative of the total distance equation with respect to x. The critical point,
where the derivative equals zero, provides the location of the minimum distance. By solving this
equation, it was determined that the minimum distance x is approximately 2.89 kilometers.
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Having found the minimum distance, the next step was to determine the corresponding
cost associated with this distance. To achieve this, the derivative of the cost function with respect
to x was calculated. The cost function represents how the cost varies with changes in distance
traveled by the airplane. By differentiating the cost function and substituting the value of x (2.89
km) into the resulting equation, the rate of change of cost with respect to distance at the
minimum distance point was determined.
The derivative equation allows for the analysis of how the cost changes as the distance
traveled by the airplane varies. It provides insights into the cost optimization strategies for flight
planning and management. Specifically, it helps in understanding how adjustments in flight
distance impact the overall cost, enabling airlines to make informed decisions regarding route
planning, fuel consumption, and operational efficiency.
In summary, the differentiation of the total distance equation to find the minimum
distance, followed by the calculation of the corresponding cost using the derivative of the cost
function, provides a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between distance and cost
in aviation operations. These mathematical techniques offer valuable insights into optimizing
flight planning and cost management strategies.
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Conclusion
In conclusion, differentiation plays a crucial role in calculus, allowing us to understand the
behavior of functions and their rates of change. It enabled the determination of optimal values
such as minimal cost and speed for a given scenario. By analyzing the derivative, we obtained
insights into the gradient function, which facilitated the identification of critical points such as
minimums or maximums. Through this process, we were able to ascertain the optimal speed of
34.62 km/hr. for minimizing the cost of the train trip, with a total trip time of 10.4 hours. In
option 2, the value of x to minimize the cost of the flight was determined to 2.89 km Thus, while
differentiation may not always be necessary in every scenario, its application in this case proved
indispensable for arriving at the desired solutions efficiently and accurately.
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Reference
MACMILLAN EDUCATION PURE MATHEMATICS UNIT 1 FOR CAPE EXAMINATIONS
Khan academy. Org
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