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Maths Filler 2

Age 14 to 16
Challenge Level Yellow starYellow star
  • Problem
  • Getting Started
  • Student Solutions

This problem follows on from the problem Maths Filler 1, although it can be attempted independently from this.


A vessel is constructed from a connected sequence of block-letters (assume that corners of the vessel lie either on grid vertices or half way between grid vertices). Water is poured slowly into the hole on the left (marked in blue) at a rate of 1cm$^3$ per minute.


A scale on the left of the vessel measures the height $H(t)$ of the pool of fluid which forms.

How long will it take to fill the vessel to reach each of the markers on the left hand side?

Use this to plot an approximate height-time chart.

Extensions: Think about the issues involved in drawing a completely accurate height-time chart.
How would the chart change if we were to fill through a different hole?

 

 

 

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The NRICH Project aims to enrich the mathematical experiences of all learners. To support this aim, members of the NRICH team work in a wide range of capacities, including providing professional development for teachers wishing to embed rich mathematical tasks into everyday classroom practice.

NRICH is part of the family of activities in the Millennium Mathematics Project.

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