Assessment Task

Subject: Mathematics Class: MYP5

Date of submission: 18/11/2021 Weekly Draft: 28/11/2021

Due date: 2/12/2021

Student’s Name: ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Title of the unit: Quadratics

Task: Tunnel Exploration

Task Specifications:

- A scientific calculator is permitted for this task.

- Answer all questions on A4 papers using ‘Times new roman’ font 12 spacing 1.5.
- Your work will be assessed based on criteria C and D. Refer to descriptors on the following
pages.
- Represent your work in a report form.

Level:
Criterion C (Max 8) Criterion D (Max 8)

Comments:
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Supervisor signature: Teacher’s signature:

Page 1 of 6
Criterion C: Communicating
Achievement Level descriptor
level
0 The student does not reach a standard described by any of the
descriptors below.
1–2 The student is able to:
i. use limited mathematical language
ii. use limited forms of mathematical representation to
present information
iii. communicate through lines of reasoning that are difficult
to interpret.
3–4 The student is able to:
i. use some appropriate mathematical language ii.
use appropriate forms of mathematical
representation to present information adequately iii.
communicate through lines of reasoning that are
complete iv. adequately organize information
using a logical structure.

5–6 The student is able to:

i. usually use appropriate mathematical language ii.
usually use appropriate forms of mathematical
representation to present information correctly iii. usually
move between different forms of mathematical representation
iv. communicate through lines of reasoning that are complete
and coherent
v. present work that is usually organized using a logical
structure.

Page 2 of 6
 7–8 The student is able to:
i. consistently use appropriate mathematical language ii.
use appropriate forms of mathematical representation to
consistently present information correctly iii. move
effectively between different forms of mathematical
representation iv. communicate through lines of reasoning
that are complete, coherent and concise
v. present work that is consistently organized using a logical
structure.

Criterion D: Applying mathematics in real-life contexts

Achievement level Level descriptor
0 The student does not reach a standard described by any of the
descriptors below.
1–2 The student is able to:
i. identify some of the elements of the authentic real-life
situation
ii. apply mathematical strategies to find a solution to the
authentic real-life situation, with limited success.
3–4 The student is able to:
i. identify the relevant elements of the authentic real-life
situation ii. select, with some success, adequate mathematical
strategies to model the authentic real-life situation
iii. apply mathematical strategies to reach a solution to the
authentic real-life situation
iv. discuss whether the solution makes sense in the context of
the authentic real-life situation.

5–6 The student is able to:

i. identify the relevant elements of the authentic real-life
situation ii. select adequate mathematical strategies to model
the authentic real-life situation
iii. apply the selected mathematical strategies to reach a valid
solution to the authentic real-life situation
iv. explain the degree of accuracy of the solution
v. explain whether the solution makes sense in the context of
the authentic real-life situation.

Page 3 of 6
 7–8 The student is able to:
i. identify the relevant elements of the authentic real-life
situation ii. select appropriate mathematical strategies to model
the authentic real-life situation
iii. apply the selected mathematical strategies to reach a
correct solution to the authentic real-life situation
iv. justify the degree of accuracy of the solution
v. justify whether the solution makes sense in the context of
the authentic real-life situation.

Real life problem – Exploring tunnels

You are asked to design a cross section of a one lane one-way tunnel in Egypt.
In order to explore you will need to search:
- Different types and dimensions of vehicles that may pass through the tunnel
Types and Dimensions of Vehicles:
To determine the dimensions of vehicles that may pass through the tunnel, it's important to consider the commonly
used vehicles in Egypt. Some common vehicle types and their approximate dimensions
Sedans: Length: 4.5 - 5.5 meters, Width: 1.7 - 1.9 meters, Height: 1.4 - 1.6 meters.
SUVs: Length: 4.5 - 5.5 meters, Width: 1.7 - 1.9 meters, Height: 1.7 - 1.9 meters.
Mini-buses: Length: 5 - 7 meters, Width: 2 - 2.3 meters, Height: 2 - 2.5 meters.
Buses: Length: 10 - 12 meters, Width: 2.5 - 3 meters, Height: 3 - 4 meters.
Trucks: Length: Varies widely, but typically 8 - 18 meters, Width: 2.5 - 3 meters, Height: 3 - 4 meters.
These dimensions can serve as a general guideline, but it's recommended to consult local transportation authorities or
traffic engineering experts for more accurate and specific information based on the intended location of the tunnel.
- Safety clearance between the maximum dimensions of the vehicles and the inner walls of the
tunnel.
It's crucial to provide sufficient clearance between the maximum dimensions of vehicles and the inner walls of the
tunnel to ensure safe passage. The following factors should be considered to determine the appropriate safety
clearances: Width Clearance: The width of the tunnel should allow vehicles to pass without scraping against the walls.
Typically, an additional clearance of 0.5 - 0.8 meters on each side of the vehicle's width is recommended.
Height Clearance: The height of the tunnel should accommodate the tallest vehicles without any risk of collision. An
additional clearance of 0.3 - 0.5 meters above the maximum height of vehicles is usually recommended.
Side Clearance: Sufficient space should be provided on the sides of the tunnel to allow for emergency exits, lighting,
and other infrastructure needs. A clearance of at least 0.5 - 1 meter on each side is commonly considered.

Page 4 of 6
 - Different cross sections of tunnels - The effectiveness of the tunnel.
State briefly different possibilities of different cross sections of tunnels
Cross Section Types and Effectiveness:
There are different cross-sectional shapes for tunnels, each with its own advantages and
considerations. Some common types include:
Circular: Circular tunnels are often used due to their structural efficiency and ability to
distribute forces evenly. They provide a uniform pressure distribution on the tunnel walls
and are generally effective for a wide range of traffic conditions.
Horse-shoe: Horse-shoe-shaped tunnels are similar to circular tunnels but have a flatter
bottom. They are commonly used when the tunnel is constructed through hard rock or soil.
Box: Box-shaped tunnels have a rectangular or square cross-section. They are typically used
in urban areas where the tunnel needs to align with existing infrastructure or when space
constraints exist.
The following should be considered in your report:
You are asked to compare in detail between a parabolic and a rectangular cross-sectional tunnel
1) (a) Write down your mathematical model for each cross-section giving the parameters to a
reasonable degree of accuracy and justify this degree of accuracy.
Mathematical Model for Each Cross-Section:
(a) Parabolic Cross-Section:
A parabolic cross-section is characterized by a curved shape that follows the path of a parabola. The equation of a parabola
in the standard form is given by:
y = a * x^2 + b * x + c
In the case of a parabolic tunnel cross-section, we can approximate the shape by considering the vertex form of a parabola
equation:
y = a * (x - h)^2 + k
Where:
a determines the steepness of the curve.
(h, k) represents the coordinates of the vertex, which defines the lowest point of the tunnel.
x and y represent the coordinates of any point on the parabolic curve.
(b) Rectangular Cross-Section:
A rectangular cross-section has a simple shape with straight vertical and horizontal sides. The dimensions of a rectangular
tunnel can be defined by its width and height.
(b) Calculate the dimensions (width and height only) of your tunnel based on the model you
built. And write them down with a reasonable degree of accuracy.
Rectangular Cross-Section:
A rectangular cross-section has a simple shape with straight vertical and horizontal sides. The dimensions of a rectangular
tunnel can be defined by its width and height.
Calculation of Tunnel Dimensions:
To calculate the dimensions of the tunnel, we need more specific information such as the desired width, height, and other
parameters. Since these details are not provided, we will demonstrate the process using arbitrary values for illustration
purposes.
the following parameters for calculation:
Width of the tunnel: 6 meters
Page 5 of 6
Height of the tunnel: 4 meters
(a) Parabolic Cross-Section:
For a parabolic cross-section, we need to determine the appropriate values of a, h, and k based on the given parameters.
The degree of accuracy for these values may vary depending on the specific requirements and constraints of the tunnel
project.
a symmetrical parabolic cross-section, we can set h = 0 as the center point of the tunnel. The value of k can be determined
based on the desired height of the tunnel. Let's assume k = -2 meters to position the vertex 2 meters below the centerline.
Using these values, the equation for the parabolic cross-section becomes:
y = a * x^2 - 2
(b) Rectangular Cross-Section:
For a rectangular cross-section, we already have the width and height provided. The degree of accuracy for these
dimensions should be based on the required clearance for vehicles and other infrastructure considerations.
Using the values, the dimensions of the rectangular tunnel would be:
Width: 6 meters
Height: 4 meters

(c) Explain whether the dimensions make sense in the context of the problem.
In the Context of the Problem:
To determine whether the dimensions make sense in the context of the problem, we need to consider various factors such
as the types of vehicles, traffic volume, safety clearances, and other design requirements.
The assumed dimensions of 6 meters width and 4 meters height for both the parabolic and rectangular cross-sections can
be evaluated as follows:
Width: 6 meters: This width should provide sufficient clearance for most vehicles, including sedans, SUVs, and mini-buses
commonly found in Egypt. However, it's essential to consider the specific traffic conditions and consult local
transportation authorities to ensure the width is appropriate for the expected volume and types of vehicles.
Height: 4 meters: The assumed height of 4 meters should accommodate most vehicles, including buses and trucks
commonly used in Egypt. However, it's crucial to consider any regional variations in vehicle dimensions and consult with
experts to ensure the height is suitable for safe passage.

2) For the contractor to be able to construct the tunnel exactly as you suggested, he needs the
dimensions of the tunnel to a reasonable degree of accuracy and a scaled drawing for the tunnel.
(a) Plot the tunnel you designed using technology,
(b) Write down the dimensions of the tunnel to a reasonable degree of accuracy (c)
Justify this degree of accuracy

3) (a) Explain whether your design makes sense and whether it will serve its purpose, by reflecting
on its effectiveness
(b) Discuss how you can calculate the actual minimum clearance between the vehicle and the tunnel
(c) Which cross-section shape is the best design for tunnels? Explain why (you may suggest any
cross section from the tunnels that you explored)
===========================================================

End of Task

Page 6 of 6