Maths Methods FIA2: Building a Rollercoaster!

Student: Teacher:
CONTEXT
Mathematical functions are used in a wide variety of contexts in the real world. There are many types of
functions which we can use to model situations in real-life situations. This is useful as decisions and
predictions can be made from these models. Functions can be represented in model or graphical forms.
Rollercoasters are one example of real-life mathematics applications.
A rollercoaster is to be constructed in the shape below. All measurements are in metres. You will be given an
individualised value for a, b, c and d.

TASK
Develop a single function (a piecewise made of polynomials or a single continuous polynomial) that models
the shape of the roller coaster. The roller coaster must pass through the points you have been allocated.
Produce a report that explains how you developed and refined your model. Analyse and identify any key
features of your roller coaster.
You must use a polynomial function or combination of polynomial functions.

CONDITIONS
Length: Max 10 pages, excluding appendices
Date Set: Week beginning 08/05/23
Draft Due: Week beginning 22/05/23
FinaljDue: Week beginning 05/06/23
Late submission: AARA extension applications must be submitted before the due date. Late
submission without reasonable explanation will result in you being assessed on
your draft.

STEPS FOR SUCCESS 

Information gathering
1. Read the task sheet and understand the task 
2. Receive your values of a, b, c and d 
Goal setting
3. Understand what this report requires you to do and ensure you are familiar with the relevant mathematical
techniques (e.g. how to translate, dilate and reflect functions, how to solve simultaneous equations, how to use
the factor law and remainder law to test whether a function passes through a specified point, etc.)

Planning and sequencing
Create a writing plan. Your plan should include:

4. Observations, Assumptions and Procedures:

a. Create a list of assumptions which you will base your analysis on, with reference to why they are
relevant to the problem

b. Create a list of relevant observations of factors that will need to be considered

c. Explain the mathematical procedures you will be using in the report 
5. Data Analysis:

a. Choose polynomials which you know how to transform and which fit the needs of the task. 
b. Consider what will happen at the transition between these functions. 
c. Consider how you will justify your choices mathematically 
d. Consider how you will use digital tools in your response and their use 
6. Evaluation:
a. Use your Observations and assumptions to test whether your solution is reasonable in a practical
context.

b. List strengths and limitations and consider how you will document/evidence them 
Drafting
7. Write a draft of your Observations, Assumptions and Procedures 
8. Write a draft of your Data Analysis 
9. Write a draft of your Recommendations 
10. Write a draft of your Introduction (at the beginning) summarising the problem to be solved 
11. Write a draft of your Conclusion (at the end) summarising how the problem was solved. 
Review and feedback
12. Review the work to check for clarity.
a. Read it out loud to yourself (in a place where you will not bother others) and see if it makes sense. 
b. Seek feedback from peers
c. Check to see that it meets the A-level criteria on the task sheet (ask for help if you do not understand
what the criteria mean
d. Submit draft by due date
Editing
e. Review feedback (individual and collective) to identify areas which require refinement, and edit/rewrite
sections of the report accordingly, consulting the criteria to ensure you are meeting the requirements. 
Proofreading and polishing
f. When you are satisfied that you have completed the report, read it out loud once again to check for
grammatical errors. 
g. Ask a peer or an adult to read over it for grammatical, spelling, and communication errors, ensuring all
graphs, tables and figures are properly labelled, etc. 
h. Submit final version in print with task sheet and a digital copy via Turnitin 
Instrument-specific marking guide (FIA2): Problem-solving and modelling task  
 
Criterion: Formulate  
  
1. select, recall and use facts, rules, definitions and procedures drawn from Unit 1  
2. comprehend mathematical concepts and techniques drawn from Unit 1 

5. justify procedures and decisions by explaining mathematical reasoning 

 
Criterion: Solve  
  
1. select, recall and use facts, rules, definitions and procedures drawn from Unit 1 

6. solve problems by applying mathematical concepts and techniques drawn from Unit 1 
 
Criterion: Evaluate and verify  
 
Assessment objectives  
 
4. evaluate the reasonableness of solutions  
5. justify procedures and decisions by explaining mathematical reasoning 
 
 
Criterion: Communicate  
Assessment objective  
 

3. communicate using mathematical, statistical and everyday language and conventions