Write-up

1. Problem Statement: State the problem in mathematical language without reference to

the context. That is, describe the problem in geometric terms without talking about
flowers or sprinklers.

There are two points on a 2d plane, we need to put a point on the plane that is an equal
distance from each of the other points. Where should we put the point? What would happen if
there were three points? What situations would work? Which situations would not? What if there
were 4 points?

2. Process: A good Process should clearly describe all methods that you tried in detail.
If a method was unsuccessful, what did you learn from it and how did it shape your next
approach to the problem? This section of your paper should outline your methods tried
from the start of this problem to the end, regardless of whether or not you were able to
find a solution. If you received assistance, describe how it helped (or didn’t help) you
and what ideas or methods resulted from this assistance. This is for you to show me
your thinking and the direction that you went with the problem.

To begin this POW I drew out two points on a piece of paper and tried to find an equal
point between the two. This was easy because there is only one spot between the two other
points where it is halfway. This doesn’t change even if the outer points are moved, there is
always a halfway point between the points. This gives us an infinite number of possibilities for
the arrangement of points, as long as the new point is always halfway between the other two. A
situation where two points wouldn’t work, would be if the center point was right on one of the
other points.
Three points create a more complex situation. I first drew out three points in a triangle,
because it was the first shape I thought of. I then estimated a point between them that would be
an equal distance from each one. This triangle situation worked well, but only if it was an
equilateral triangle. I attempted to make another triangle of a different variety and side length,
but this ultimately didn’t work out. It also wouldn’t work if we placed the center point on top of
one of the points, this makes any set up fail.
After that, I began working with a partner, Maddie, and we talked about what would
happen with four points. We thought that the best situation would be to have each point an
equal distance from the other, creating a square, with the center point being an equal distance
from each of the outer points. We decided that each number of points should create a perfect
shape involving the number of points, for example, 4 points create a square, 5 a pentagon,
etc…
We then began to think about situations where a certain number of points wouldn’t work.
We found that a straight line of 3, 4, 5, etc wouldn’t work, because they would all be different
distances from the center point no matter where we placed it. While I had it drawn out I had a
set of three side by side, which gave me the idea of having each point be on the edge of a circle
from the radius of the center point. This meant the points could have a different arrangement,
not just being equal distances apart from each other/ from the two on each side. We imagined a
radius coming out of the center point creating a circle around it. As long as the points are along
this circle they would be an equal distance from the center point. This meant they didn’t have to
be equal distances apart from the two on each side, as long as they were on the circle they
could be any distance apart from each other. We found that our first idea, having each number
of points be an equal distance from the two on each side, thus creating a perfect shape
depending on the number of points, fit in our second model, where the points had to fall on the
circle. This means that the points don’t have to be a distance from another, everything depends
on the center point. If the points didn’t fit on the circle, they wouldn’t be an equal distance from
the center point. An example of this would be a right triangle, no matter what the side lengths
are, you couldn’t run the circle through each of them.

3. Work: Demonstrate the work that you use to find the solution. Show any and all work
that you did to find the answer for 2, 3 and 4 flowers. This can be in the form of
screenshots, written work, or any other methods that you decide to use.

2 flowers/points - There are two points, signified with the drawings of the flower, and the center
point in the center between.

3 flowers/points - This is a three pointed shape. If they are all equal distances from each other,
they create a perfect triangle. This situation would work, allowing the center point to be an equal
distance from each other point.
4 flowers/points - This shape is a 4 sided one, aka a square, in this situation we can see each
point an equal distance from two on each side, and they rest on a circle, with each being the
distance of the circle's radius from the center point.

5 flowers/points - Having 5 points that are each an equal distance from two on each side
creates a pentagon. This situation would work, allowing the center point to be placed an equal
distance from each other point.
Failed Shape - There are some that don’t work. Below you can see two flowers close together
and another one a farther distance away. It also wouldn’t work if the points were at random
spots.
Circles Radius - In this situation, as long as the points are along the circle's radius, any number
of points works. We can see below that the points are placed randomly along the circle, but no
matter what they are equal distances from the center point.

More situations where 3 points won’t work - Hollow circle = center point/sprinkler - Filled in
circles = points/flowers
4. Solution: Clearly state your answer for 2, 3, and 4 flowers. Describe any patterns or
formulas you found.

I found that placing the center point halfway between the two points will work, when
working with two points. Having the points rest along a circle’s radius created from the center
point works for 3, 4, 5, and any number of points, we can just expand the circle's radius. Our
main pattern was having the points rest on the circle's radius.

5. Evaluation: Your reaction to and evaluation of this POW. Describe why you used this
strategy and why you determined it to be the best solution.
 In the beginning, I thought this POW was incredibly simple, and I still believe I am
missing something important, or that I didn’t answer it correctly, but I realize now that even
simple problems take a lot to answer and a lot to think through. This didn’t take long to talk
through or to think about, but it was incredibly difficult to put my thoughts down on paper in this
way. I don’t normally pour out my thought process in this way, it's a very intricate and in-depth
discussion. I'm not sure if this is the best solution, I wasn’t able to work on the POW for a very
long time and we only had a few minutes to work with others in our class to talk about potential
solutions. If I were to go back through and do this again, I would work with more people and get
more ideas for the POW. I wonder if we needed to create some kind of formula, or if it would be
possible to have a formula to calculate where the points would be. I think this solution is an ok
one, it is very general though, and doesn’t give very much detail for what my setup would look
like unless you have the pictures I drew as well. I think this solution works because it meets all
the requirements we set forth and it works for any number of outer points. As long as they are
along the circle they will be an equal distance from the center point.