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This problem provides a context from DT (designing an object for marketing) for formulating a mathematical model and investigating it. The investigation could be done by hand (as in the solution), or using a spreadsheet. More advanced students could be encouraged to use an algebraic approach.
A good place to start is by drawing the coils of rope on square paper. Doing this should lead to discussion about assumptions which need to be made, such as:
The drawing can then be used to investigate how the dimensions of the finished mat increase as additional sections or coils of rope are added - learners will need to decide whether they want to focus on the number of coils as each new rectangle is formed, or the number of sections of rope.
Compare the analysis of rectangular mats with a circular mat constructed in a similar way. To compare which design is more economical requires finding the length of rope needed, to see which requires the least. This could be done by argument - that a circular mat of a given diameter will require less rope than a square mat of the same length. Alternatively the circular mat could be modelled as a series of concentric circles.
Have rope or thick string available for learners to experiment with.
Two trains set off at the same time from each end of a single straight railway line. A very fast bee starts off in front of the first train and flies continuously back and forth between the two trains. How far does Sidney fly before he is squashed between the two trains?
An observer is on top of a lighthouse. How far from the foot of the lighthouse is the horizon that the observer can see?