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Maths Department Help for Local A-Level Students
Testing differential equations with the help of parachutes
Two local Further Mathematics A-Level students visited Lancaster University's Department of Mathematics and Statistics in April for help with their differential equations coursework.
Kevin Crooks (Carr Hill High School, Kirkham) and Keaton Dickinson (Lytham St Annes High School) are both studying through the Lancaster and Cumbria Further Mathematics Network, which is based in the department.
The network allows students to study for Further Mathematics A/AS qualifications even when courses are not offered directly by their school or college.
Kevin and Keaton's differential equations module encourages them to study real-life physical problems, formulate equations which explain the problems and then - hopefully - solve them.
Their coursework problem involves the mathematics of parachutes. A falling parachute is subject to two forces - gravity and air resistance. Can we write down an equation which accurately describes how far the parachute will have fallen after a given period of time? How does the air resistance depend on the speed of the parachute and the size of the canopy?
To try out their theory, Kevin and Keaton made their own parachutes from string, a students' union carrier bag and blu-tac, and threw them down a stairwell from various heights, timing how long they took to reach the ground.
The data from this practical experiment allowed the pair to check the accuracy of their theoretical calculations.
Wed 18 April 2007
Associated Links
- Department Of Mathematics And Statistics - Maths and Statistics' home page
- The Further Mathematics Network - The Further Mathematics Network can enable you to study Further Mathematics A/AS qualifications, even when they are not offered directly by your school/college. The Network also supports Further Mathematics in schools and colleges that do offer it, and organises events and activities to encourage more students to study mathematics post-16
Latest News
Geography student sets up film company
It is well known that Geography graduates are highly employable and use their degrees in many different ways. One of the more unusual we have heard about recently is Lancaster geographer Greg Tomaszewicz who has set up his own Video Production Company - Lanor Productions.
Story supplied by LU Press Office
Fri 22 February 2013
Eco-innovation businesses invited to attend pioneering project launch
Ambitious North West SMEs keen to drive forward eco-innovative ideas and products are invited to a major event in Manchester on March 4.
Story supplied by LU Press Office
Thu 21 February 2013
First Science and Technology Business Partnerships and Enterprise Annual Report 2011-2012 available to download now
2011-2012 saw the development of a new theme-based strategy for Business Partnerships and Enterprise in Science and Technology. The seven interdisciplinary themes are: Advanced Manufacturing, Energy, Environment, Health and Human Development, Information and Communication Technologies, Quantum Technology and Security. Each theme has dedicated professional staff to work with businesses and source the expertise they need.
Tue 19 February 2013
Lancaster University Coffeemat Challenge won by Science and Technology student Seb
The concept of a new university website, complete with mobile application, to capture the campus social scene at a glance, earned an enterprising student an iPad.
Story supplied by LU Press Office
Tue 19 February 2013