Sunset Over London – Modeling Task

INSTRUCTIONS
1. Type your response and submit as a complete report via the ManageBac calendar dropbox.
2. Include all relevant working, tables and graphs.
3. Give precise values as answer whenever possible.
4. Write values rounded appropriately, according to real-life use.

https://www.timeanddate.com/sun/uk/london?month=1&year=2017

The link above shows the daily times of sunrise/sunset over London for a period of one year. You will need to look at
each month one at a time as that is how the site is set up. You will only need to consider the first two columns. You may
even choose a different year than 2017.

1. Decide upon relevant data to use to that would enable you to determine an appropriate function that would
model this data. (Think about the number of points necessary to recognize a suitable model over the year.)
2. By considering the significant features of the scatter plot (graphed points) of your data, analytically develop
a function that best models this data. You must define your variables and parameters and explain your
reasoning when determining the values of the parameters.
3. Using technology (i.e. your GDC, Desmos online graphing calculator, other), discuss the accuracy of your
model compared to your data. Include graph(s) in your report.
4. Now use technology to obtain an alternative model of your data.
5. Justify (with specific calculations, examples, etc.) which of the two models is the more accurate one.
6. Justify whether your two models make sense in this real-life context of predicting sunset times for London.
Identify reasons for being able to do this accurately (again use specific calculations, examples, etc.).

Criterion C
i. consistently uses appropriate mathematical language
 This includes terminology, notation and symbols (if typed, you use “equation” in Word)
ii. uses appropriate forms of mathematical representation to consistently present information correctly
 Includes tables, graphs, diagrams, equations and working
iii. moves effectively between different forms of mathematical representation
 Transitions between forms (ii. above) are clearly understood, suitable and necessary for coherence
iv. communicates through lines of reasoning that are complete, coherent and concise
 You have thoroughly responded to each phase of the task
 All parts and links are easily understood and followed
 Your responses are short enough to provide all necessary information
v. presents work that is consistently organized using a logical structure.

Criterion D

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.