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Cone Volumes

Calculate and optimise the volume of a cone using a variety of measurements. (OS 3.x)

Publisher: Texas Instruments UK

Editor: Barrie Galpin

Author: Nevil Hopley

Topic:  Mathematics

Tags  Functions ,  3D objects ,  Surface area ,  Pythagoras ,  Triangle ,  Cones ,  Trigonometry ,  Volume

The aim of this activity is to have students work out the volume of a cone using a variety of different known measurements. This involves application of Pythagoras’ Theorem, and right-angled triangle Trigonometry.

Then the students progress to finding the optimum apex angle to maximise the volume of a cone for a given slant height. No knowledge of calculus is required – the process is completed using numeric Graph Analysis tools.

This activity is designed for students aged 12 to 15, both as a consolidating activity of existing skills and preparing the conceptual way for future optimisation problems.

The activity is structured as follows:

  • Introductions and Assumptions. Checks prior knowledge.
  • Focussing on using the Apex Angle. Two contexts and a 3D model are used.
  • Optimising the Cone Volume. For a fixed slant height and variable apex angle.
  • Light-Hearted Ending, with extension task.

Although the screenshots displayed here are taken from a colour screen Nspire CX, the activity works just as well on a greyscale Nspire handheld. However, OS 3.0.2 or later is required.

 

Publisher specific license