LAZERAINES: An Alternative Mathematical Method in Determining the

Specific Day of a Given Date

Mathematics Investigatory Project

Presented to the Scientific Review Committee and Judges
of the Regional Science and Technology Fair 2023-2024
Department of Education
Region XI

Proponent:

Princess Shanley C. Salinas

Mathematics and Computational Sciences – Individual Category

Research Adviser:

Eileen V. Artiaga

November 2023
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

TITLE PAGE i

TABLE OF CONTENTS ii

ABSTRACT 1

INTRODUCTION 1

FRAMEWORK 3

Research Locale 4

Experimental Research Design 4

Research Respondents 5

Procedures in Solving Word Problems Using LAZERAINES Formula 5

Preparation of Materials 6

Data Gathering Procedure 6

Statistical Treatment 7

Ethical Considerations 9

Definition of Terms 9

FINDINGS 11

CONCLUSION 13

RECOMMENDATIONS 13
REFERENCES 11
14

APPENDICES 13
15

ISEF FORMS AND RESEARCH PLAN iii

iii

SCANNED PROJECT DATA LOGBOOK iv

iv

iii
 LAZERAINES: An Alternative Mathematical Method in Determining the
Specific Day of a Given Date

Princess Shanley C. Salinas

Digos City National High School, Rizal Avenue Digos City, Davao del Sur

ABSTRACT

Throughout mathematical history, time has shaped our understanding of the universe. Dating
back two millennia, leap years emerged within the Gregorian and Julian calendars, yet the
Julian system didn't precisely show a slight discrepancy. The study titled "LAZERAINES: An
Alternative Mathematical Method in Determining the Specific Day of a Given Date" aims to
provide an efficient and straightforward approach to resolving date-specific problems. This
investigation concentrates on the efficacy and precision of the proposed alternative, the
LAZERAINES formula. This formula underwent a quasi-experimental design involving grade
11 STEM students at Digos City National High School. Thirty students employing Zeller's
Congruence Algorithm formed the control group, while an experimental group of 30 students
utilized the LAZERAINES alternative formula. The outcomes showcased the experimental
group achieving a mean score of 9.87 and a standard deviation of 0.13, signifying a very
high performance. In contrast, the control group attained a mean score of 7.03 and a
standard deviation of 2.30, indicating a high-performance level. Additionally, the
experimental group demonstrated a mean speed of 5.61 with a standard deviation of 4.35,
corresponding to a fast performance, while the control group registered a mean speed of
15.55 and a standard deviation of 11.85, illustrating a slower performance. Crucially, the p-
value for both experimental and control groups highlighted a notable difference in mean
score and mean speed ratings. This concludes that the LAZERAINES formula is a potential
method in solving date-specific problems comparable to the established methods

Keywords: date, leap years, quasi-experimental design, mean, standard deviation, p-value
analysis

INTRODUCTION
just business schedules but also daily life.
Time, entwined with mathematics
Figures like Julius Caesar and Pope
since ancient times, remains a profound
Gregory XIII, predating calendars,
mystery (Maths History 2002). Evolving
grappled with aligning astronomical events
technology and societal demands have
with Earth's cycles. Leap years, dating
elevated time's importance, influencing not

iii
back over two millennia, arose as a date determination (Making Mathematics:

solution to the misalignment observed by Mathematics Research Teacher Handbook

Caesar's advisors, leading to the 2003).

introduction of an extra day every four

This study aims to determine the
years (NASA 2020).
efficiency of LAZERAINES formula in

Caesar's Julian calendar, though, terms of accuracy and speed as a potential

struggled with a fractional discrepancy of alternative method in determining the

0.24 days, unnoticed for centuries. In specific day of a given date comparable to

1582, Pope Gregory XIII, noting a 10-day the established method of Zeller’s

misalignment, introduced a corrective Congruence Algorithm.

measure. His astronomers devised a

system: every fourth year a leap year,

except century-ending years divisible by

400, rectifying the 10-day error by

transitioning directly from October 4 to

October 15 (Ryder & Ham 2021).

This historical backdrop

illuminates the complex relationship

between time, mathematics, and the

ongoing pursuit of precision in calendars.

Explorations into patterns and structures,

coupled with alternative methods like

Zeller Congruence Theory and the

Doomsday Algorithm, highlight

humanity's persistent quest for efficient

2
FRAMEWORK after dividing it by a modulus using the

mathematicalconcepts of modular
According to an article by Bob
arithmetic. The day, month, and year of
Craddock, a calendar year normally has
the target date are employed in the Zeller's
365 days. To maintain the calendar years'
Congruence Algorithm's formula, along
alignment with the sidereal year, the
with a number of coefficients that are used
concept of leap yearsis by adding an extra
to determine the day of the week.
day every four years. The calendar is

lengthened by over 44 minutes by adding a The modular arithmetic and

leap day every four years. Moreover, the Zeller's Congruence Algorithm serve as

season would move on the calendar by 44 the foundation for the mathematical theory

minutes. Due to this, leap years do not underlying this research project. The day

always occur every four years. The rule is of the target date will be determined

that, a leap year is skipped if the year is mathematically using the mathematical

divisible by 100 and not by 400. The model. Thus, the model will determine the

following leap year to be skipped since day of the week for each given day in the

1900 is 2100. The day of the week may be target date using the concepts of modular

determined from any date using a few arithmetic and Zeller's Congruence

different mathematical techniques. Several Algorithm. The model will produce a

of the techniques come from Zeller's Rule, mathematical answer for determining the

Doomsday Algorithm, and Lewis Carroll’s day of the week for every given day in the

Method. intended date after being validated using

historical data.
The day of the week for any given

date can be determined using Zeller's The study was also influenced by

Congruence Algorithm. The algorithm the Doomsday Algorithm and the Lewis

determines the amount of a date left over Carroll’s Method. In this method, the day

3
of the week may beinferred through
mathematical computations and from any
day by using the year, month, and century
codes. Therefore, the Modular Arithmetic,
Zeller's Congruence Theorem, Doomsday
Algorithm and Lewis Carroll’s Method
had an impact on the alternative technique
that was created. Correspondingly, a
mathematical theory that integrates
calculus and algebraic ideas will serve as
the direction for this project. Time also
plays a significant role in this study
because it is used to determine the day of
the desired date. The time calculations on
the Gregorian calendar which is the most
extensivelyused calendar system
existence is the basis of the study.
This research included
development of a formula or equation that
will be based on Zeller's congruence
algorithm. The target year, the target nth
year, the number of days in a year, and the
leap year rule were taken into account
when using the formula or equation to
determine the day of the target nth year.
Research Locale
The study was undertaken within
the months of February 2023 – November
2023 at Digos City National High School,
situated on Rizal Avenue, Digos City. This
institution is known as one of the largest
schools in the Davao region. Thus, its
standing as one of the major educational
institutions played an integral part in the
efficacy and relevance of the study.
Experimental Research Design
The research design that was used
in this study is a quasi-experimental, non-
equivalent control group design. This
design contains both an experimental
in
group and a control group. In this study,
the experimental group and control group
the did not have any sampling equivalence;
hence they are naturally assembled
collectives, which in this study are 60
Grade 11 students from Digos City
National High School.
4
Research Respondents Procedures in Solving Word Problems

The focus of this study was 60 Using LAZERAINES Formula

students in the Grade 11 STEM (Science,

Technology, Engineering,
Mathematics) strand for School Year
2022-2023. In the sections of Newton,
Galileo, and Einstein, each had 20
In getting the specific day of given
and
date using the LAZERAINES formula, the
following steps are to be followed:
Step 1:

participants. First ten participants per 𝑥+𝑦

Use the formula A = x + y – [⌊ ⌋(7)].
7
section were allocated for the control
Step 2: Identify the given.
group and the remaining half for the

experimental group. The table below Step 3: Solve for x and y.

shows the number of participants per

Step 4: Substitute the values to the given
section amounting to a total of 60
formula.
participants.
Step 5: Do the operations and solve.
Table 1. The Number of Participants per
Step 6: After getting the answer to the
Experi
Name of Control formula, the days of the week will be
mental Total
Sections Group
Group
utilized. With the final answer, you will
1. Newton 10 10 20
move nth time/s from your initial day
2. Galileo 10 10 20
depending on the answer.
3. Einstein 10 10 20

Total 30 30 60 Legend:
x = number of years from the initial to
Group SY 2022-2023
target year

y = number of leap years from the initial to

target year

5
A = day of the week
Conditions:
In getting x, if the target year is
before the initial year, then initial year –
target year = x. And if the target year is
after the initial year, then target year –
initial year = x.
In getting y, determine the leap
year closest to the initial year heading
towards the target year. Then, subtract the
target year to the initial year or vice versa.
Lastly, the difference will be divided by 4
to get y. If a skipped leap year such as
1900 and 2100 is included in the interval
from the initial or given date to the target
date, the quotient’s remainder should be
disregarded. However, if a skipped leap
year is excluded in the interval, proceed in
getting the ceiling value (e. g. 10.25 will
be rounded off to 11).
𝑥+𝑦
And in getting the answer of ⌊
7
the value before the decimal is the sole
value that will be multiplied by 7 since the
floor function (⌊x⌋) gives an integer
number value which is a numeric value
lesser than the value of the function.
Preparation of the Materials
The following materials necessary
for the study are paper, timer, pen or
pencil, and test questionnaires.
Data Gathering Procedure
The researcher first introduced the
purpose and procedure of both the
LAZERAINES and Zeller’s Congruence
Formula to the experimental and control
group and eventually conducted pilot tests.
The final experimentation was conducted
in two tests. In the first experimentation,
30 Grade 11 students in Digos City
National High School were given a test
questionnaire of solving the problem in
determining the day of a given dates using
the Zeller's Congruence Formula without
the use of calculator and/or technology.
The student researcher then tallied the time
⌋,
and score of the control group. In the
second experimentation, another 30 Grade
11 students in Digos City National High
School were given a test questionnaire
6
with the same problem as the first scores acquired by the control group, then

experimentation. Then, the student there is an increase in accuracy. However,

researcher computed the time it takes for if scores acquired by the experimental

the students to solve the given problems group were lower than the control group,

using the LAZERAINES formula and the this indicates a low accuracy rate.

scores they acquired. After conducting

Statistical Treatment
both tests, the student researcher compared
The interpretation of the data is
the results from the computed data of both
conducted with a 0.05 alpha level of
experimentations.
significance. Mean and standard deviation

The time spent in both tests served were used to determine the mean score and

as basis of the students’ speed in solving mean speed ratings of experimental and

mathematical problems involving dates. A control group. And an independent t-test

decrease in time consumption when was used to test the significant difference

answering using the Zeller’s Congruence on the mean score and mean speed ratings

Formula compared to the time spent using between the control and experimental

the LAZERAINES formula indicates the group for hypothesis testing.

improvement of students’ speed. The

The following tables below are
shorter the time spent answering, the faster
used in interpreting the mean values of the
the speed; therefore, the longer the time
variable:
spent, the lower the speed. Whereas the

acquired correct answers by the

participants of both experimental and

control group determined the accuracy of

both methods. If the scores acquired by the

experimental group are higher than the

7
 Table 2. The Interval Score and the 2.01 – 4.00, indicates scores on the lower
Corresponding Qualitative Description
end. Whereas a very low score indicates
Mean Score Performance
that the scores acquired resulted in a mean
Level
of 0.00 – 02.00, the lowest among the
08.01 - 10.00 Very High
06.01 - 08.00 High score intervals.

04.01 - 06.00 Moderate

Table 3. The Interval Time and the
02.01 - 04.00 Low Corresponding Qualitative Description

0.00 - 02.00 Very Low Interval Time Performance

(minutes) Level
In constructing the range of mean
0.00 - 05.00 Very Fast
scores of students’ accuracy, the
05.01 - 10.00 Fast
researcher divided the difference of the 10.01 - 15.00 Average
possible highest score (ten), to the possible 15.01 - 20.00 Slow

lowest score (zero), into five (5) 20.01 and above Very Slow

categories, namely; very high, high,

moderate, low, and very low. A very high- In creating the interval time, the

performance level indicates the high score researcher divided twenty (20) minutes

attained by the participants resulting in a into five (5) categories: very fast, fast,

mean of 08.01 – 10.00. High performance average, slow, and very slow, to give a

level, indicates that the scores acquired qualitative description of the students’

resulted in a mean of 06.01 – 08.00, speed in solving the problem. Very fast

slightly lower than the highest score performance denoted completion within

interval. Moderate performance 0.00 to 05.00 minutes, indicating the

characterizes scores between 4.01 and shortest duration. Fast performance

6.00, indicating an average performance encompassed 05.01 to 10.00 minutes,

level. Low performance, ranging from slightly slower than the very fast level.

8
Average performance fell within 10.01 and the specific days of the given dates

15.00 minutes, signifying a moderate provided in the word problems.

speed. Slow performance was noted for a

Speed – Refers to the time consumed by
mean time of 15.01 – 20.00 minutes, while
the participants upon answering the word
very slow performance involved times
problems provided with regards to
exceeding 20.00 minutes. The ratings
determining the day of a given date.
created was derived from a study
Floor Value - Returns the closest integer
conducted by Matin-ao and Timario on
less than or equal to a given number used
2021.
as a rounding function.
Ethical Considerations
Solution – A method or answer to a
Ethical considerations were
problem; in this study, it refers to the
prioritized in the research project.
presented mathematical approach for
Participant confidentiality was safeguarded
determining the specific day of a given
by the researcher through an Informed
date in a target year.
Consent Form for Research Participants,

respecting their autonomy to decide Formula – A mathematical expression

whether to participate. Risks were containing symbols, numbers, and

addressed by following established operations, used to solve problems or

protocols. Ensuring integrity and honesty perform specific mathematical tasks

in data analysis aimed to produce reliable systematically.

findings for sharing the efficiency of

Zeller's Congruence (Zeller's
LAZERAINES.
Algorithm) - A mathematical formula

Definition of Terms used to calculate the day of the week for a

Accuracy – Refers to the correctness of given date. It incorporates modular

the participants’ answers in determining

9
arithmetic and coefficients to determine Leap Year – A year with an extra day,

the day of the week based on the day, making it 366 days instead of the usual

month, and year of the given date. 365; this additional day, called a leap day,

is added to February, making it 29 days

Discrepancy (Earth Discrepancies) – It
long instead of 28.
refers to the difference or deviation

between the actual astronomical events, Gregorian calendar – Established by

such as Earth's orbit around the Sun, and Pope Gregory XIII in 1582, is the world's

the way these events are represented in most commonly used calendar, adjusting

calendars. leap years through specific rules to match

Earth's orbit.
Century – A 100-year period, crucial in

the Gregorian calendar as leap years

depend on whether a year is divisible by

100, but a century year must also be

divisible by 400 to be a leap year.

Date - A date represents a specific day

within a calendar system, typically

expressed with reference to the day,

month, and year.

Week – A seven-day period commonly

used to organize time, with each day

having a specific name (such as Sunday,

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday,

Friday, and Saturday).

10
 FINDINGS year (Art of Memory 2023). This method

requires memorization rather than actual

The following tables presented
learning. However, memorization can lead
below shows the results and discussion of
to increased forgetfulness as it isolates
the data acquired during the
specific facts in the mind, hindering
experimentation and its indication.
information retention compared to when
Table 4. Mean Score Ratings of Experimental it’s connected to existing knowledge (Iris
and Control Groups
Reading 2023). Conversely, the
Group Mean Standard Performance
Deviation Level LAZERAINES formula relies on prior

knowledge of leap years and basic

Experi- 9.87 0.13 Very High
mental arithmetic operations– subtraction,
Control 7.03 2.30 High
addition, multiplication, and division.

Consequently, this provides an advantage

In Table 4, the mean score ratings
for the LAZERAINES formula in
of both experimental and control groups
accurately determining the day of a given
are shown. The experimental group
date.
acquired a mean score of 9.87 with a

standard deviation of 0.13, corresponding Table 5.Mean Speed Ratings of Experimental

and Control Groups
to a very high-performance level. On the
Group Mean Standard Performance
other hand, the control group acquired a Deviation Level

mean score rating of 7.03 and a standard

Experi- 5.61 4.35 Very High
deviation of 2.30, corresponding to a high mental
Control 15.55 11.85 High
performance level. To utilize the Zeller’s

Formula, individuals must decipher the

year, month, and century into respective In Table 5, the mean speed ratings

codes, and then determine if it is a leap of both experimental and control groups is

11
shown. The experimental group acquired a Table 6. Comparison between the Mean Score
of Experimental and Control Groups
mean speed of 5.61 with a standard
Group Mean p-value Decision
deviation of 4.35, corresponding to a fast
Experi- 9.87
performance level. On the other hand, the
mental
control group acquired a mean speed
Control 7.03 4.784 × 10-6 Reject H0
rating of 15.55 and a standard deviation of

11.85, corresponding to a slow

In Table 6, a comprehensive
performance level. When employing
comparison of the mean score between the
Zeller’s Congruence Algorithm, a person
experimental and control groups is shown.
who utilizes the formula frequently
The statistical analysis yielded a
encounter errors. These errors encompass
remarkably low p-value of 4.784 × 10-6,
misunderstandings regarding the negative
well below the conventional significance
values of “f,” where individuals rectify a
level of 0.05.Subsequently, the findings
misinterpretation of the term “remainder.”
indicated a significant difference in mean
Confusion between remainders and
score between the two groups. So, the null
decimals represents a common
hypothesis is rejected.
misconception. Moreover, overlooking the

specific rules associated with January and Table 7. Comparison between the Mean Speed
of Experimental and Control Groups
February is another prevalent error
Group Mean p-value Decision
(Peterson 2020). Hence, the utilization of
Exper- 5.61
the Zeller’s congruence Algorithm is
imental
considered as time consuming.
Control 15.55 0.027 Reject H0

In Table 7, a comparative analysis

of the mean speed between the

12
experimental and control groups is shown. RECOMMENDATIONS

The statistical analysis revealed a p-value Considering the findings and

of 0.027 for this comparison, falling below conclusions of the study, it is

the conventional significance threshold of recommended that:

0.05. Consequently, the obtained p-value

1. Individuals interested in this field
indicates a statistically significant
should be assisted and instructed about the
difference in the mean speed ratings
proper application of LAZERAINES
between the two groups. Thus, the null
formula.
hypothesis is rejected.
2. The academe may adopt the alternative
CONCLUSION
formula into the learning competencies of
Based on the findings, this study
the education system.
concludes that the LAZERAINES formula
3. Future researchers may replicate the
is a potential alternative comparable to the
study by preparing other innovative
Zeller's formula in determining the
techniques that will allow for an
specific day of a given date. Consequently,
uncomplicated and quick way of
individuals can efficiently solve related
determining the specific day of a given
problems with improved time and
date.
accuracy. Moreover, this conclusion opens

avenues for future research studies,

encouraging further experimentation to

explore the capabilities and limitations of

the LAZERAINES formula.

13
REFERENCES
Craddock, Bob. The Science of Leap Year,
February 27, 2020.
https://airandspace.si.edu/stories/edit
orial/science-leap-
year?fbclid=IwAR3bWsqPmJCtVY
nFIJESWruEFhXGIHDra-
wh3XREgO59tckkHZLPbqrIp3I.
Knowles, Elizabeth. “How to Calculate the
Day of the Week for Any Date
(until 2099).” The Science
Explorer, February 24, 2016.
http://thescienceexplorer.com/techn
ology/how-calculate-day-week-
any-date-until-
2099?fbclid=IwAR3wDoQQ3I6G6
xM_UHkhW8aVk4SyvB3y_aHl-
2uqqbJTPAkUyy5NXp3ZZMk.
“Leap Year.” Encyclopædia Britannica,
October 20, 2023.
https://www.britannica.com/scienc
e/leap-year-calendar.
LiveScience, and Stephanie Pappas. “Is It
Time to Overhaul the Calendar?”
Scientific American, May 2, 2014.
https://www.scientificamerican.co
m/article/is-it-time-to-
overhaul/?fbclid=IwAR17yaYXWI
DO2Wz2j1sY2ha7Whs4Sx0Uz37l
SdFEwGeymejQvIX6YQJQjnA.
Memory, Art of. “How to Calculate the
Day of the Week from Any Date.”
Art of Memory, April 10, 2023.
https://artofmemory.com/blog/how
-to-calculate-the-day-of-the-
week/?fbclid=IwAR1NcfolP-
wzcRBIhj0v6NkuNpKKzccGAvqi
zFIldCEXjYLtWXNei1_uYnA.
Peterson, Dave. “Zeller’s Rule: What Day
of the Week Is It?” The Math
Doctors, January 12, 2020.
https://www.themathdoctors.org/ze
llers-rule-what-day-of-the-week-is-
14
it/?fbclid=IwAR0hFmO0FAg_W5j
vQxg4tWeajjkVlLHzdhiOWepnjS
WBnnJyPHv-
vwMZSKs#:~:text=N%20%3D%2
0d%20%2B%202m%20%2B%20
%5B,and%20y%20is%20the%20y
ear.
Simpson, D. Physics recreations: The
Doomsday algorithm , October 21,
2011.
http://www.pgccphy.net/rec/rec011
-doomsday.pdf.
Singh, Chaitanya, Navya says, Yoonus
ismath says, Aman says, Hi says,
Nihar Ranjan ( INDIA) says, and
Subhash says. “Day Calculation
from Date.” BeginnersBook, 2012.
https://beginnersbook.com/2013/04
/calculating-day-given-
date/?fbclid=IwAR0W8UfKCGrA
Xw4l7-
HjGsC59re2c1gcZ9X931Ghlt-
idlNdfvpsTXRphsQ.
“What Is a Leap Year?” NASA, February
21, 2020.
https://spaceplace.nasa.gov/leap-
year/en/.
Winters, Edward. Analysis of the
Doomsday algorithm, March 2020.
https://www.math.union.edu/~hatle
yj/student_theses/winters.pdf.
Matin-ao, Rosyl&Timario, Ranti. “The
Effect of Mental Mathematics on
College Students’ Problem Solving
Skills,” August, 2021.
https://scholarum.dlsl.edu.ph/wp-
content/uploads/2021/08/Matin-
aoR_TimarioR_August2021.pdf?fb
clid=IwAR1G3gTpm9HNoRjboBB
0-
Q0pxWtseY0hXrTTO1nK96ten46_
8u5-O3YZ6jQ
 APPENDIX A

RAW DATA FOR THE MEAN SCORE AND MEAN SPEED OF THE EXPERIMENTAL

AND CONTROL GROUP

15
 APPENDIX B

PERMISSION LETTER TO OBTAIN A COPY OF PRE-CALCULUS FIRST QUARTER

GRADES OF GRADE 11 STEM STUDENTS

16
 APPENDIX C

PERMISSION LETTER TO OBTAIN A COPY OF THE MASTER LIST OF GRADE 11

STEM SECTION NEWTON

17
 APPENDIX D

PERMISSION LETTER TO OBTAIN A COPY OF THE MASTER LIST OF GRADE 11

STEM SECTION GALILEO

18
 APPENDIX E

PERMISSION LETTER TO CONDUCT EXPERIMENTATION

19
 APPENDIX F

QUESTIONNAIRE FOR EXPERIMENTAL

AND CONTROL GROUP

20
 APPENDIX G

INFORMED CONSENT FOR

RESEARCH PARTICIPANTS

21
APPENDIX H

PILOT TESTING

22
 APPENDIX I

EXPERIMENTATION

23
 APPENDIX J

MENTORING SESSION FOR THE REVISIONS OF THE PAPER

24
 APPENDIX K

ORAL PAPER PRESENTATION OF RESEARCH STUDY

25
Intel ISEF Forms and Research Plan

26
RESEARCH PLAN

Title: LAZERAINES: An Alternative Mathematical Method in Determining the Specific Day

of a Given Date

Name of Student: Salinas, Princess Shanley C.

Proposed start and end date: February 2023 – November 2023

A. Rationale

There are different ways mathematics can fulfill human interest and one of these is

providing a mathematical way to solve the day of the week of a specific date. According

to Elizabeth Rhodes, to keep the Gregorian calendar in sync with the astronomical and

seasonal calendars, leap years were instituted. Since Earth's full orbit takes 365.256 days

to complete, the astronomical and seasonal calendars are off by a few days, hence an

extra day every four years is added to make up for the discrepancies.. The study’s major

goal is to determine the potential of the LAZERAINES formula as an alternative

mathematical method in determining the specific day of a given date. Finding out the day

of the target year manually with the use of calendars can be complicated as this needs

precise and accurate attention to count the days. Established methods like Zeller’s

Congruence Algorithm and Lewis Carroll’s Theorem provided a mathematical solution in

understanding the patterns in calculating the day of the week. However, these methods

require profound recollection and understanding of codes and conditions. Thus, the

development of the LAZERAINES formula will present as a potential alternative

mathematical method proposing an simple and comparably efficient method to those that

are already established. The proposed alternative mathematical method will be useful in

27
many industries, including project management, finance, and astronomy. This also yields

to produce an efficient way in learning and improving one’s mathematical skill through

the use of various types of operations namely multiplication, division, subtraction, and

addition. The suggested solution will have numerous practical applications and advance

our understanding of calendar systems and time calculations by merging mathematics,

time, and variable principles.

B. Goals

(1) To determine the efficiency of LAZERAINES formula in terms of accuracy in

determining the specific day of a given date.

(2) To determine the efficiency of LAZERAINES formula in terms of speed in

determining the specific day of a given date.

(3) To determine the significant difference in terms of efficiency between the

LAZERAINES formula and the Zeller Congruence Formula.

Hypothesis

The following are the null hypotheses of the study:

Ho1: There is no significant difference between the mean score ratings of experimental

and control groups.

Ho2: There is no significant difference between the mean speed ratings of experimental

and control groups.

C. Description in detail of methods or procedures.

C.1 Procedures

1) The study will be undertaken during the school year 2022-2023 at Digos City

National High School, it is known as one of the largest schools in the Davao

28
 region. Its standing as one of the major educational institutions played an integral

part in the efficacy and relevance of the study.

2) The research design that will be used in this study is a quasi-experimental, non-

equivalent control group design. This design contains both an experimental group

and control group.

3) The focus of this study will be 60 students in the Grade 11 STEM (Science,

Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) strand for school year 2022-2023. In

the sections of Newton, Galileo, and Einstein, each will have 20 participants. First

ten participants per section will be allocated for the control group and the

remaining half for the experimental group.

4) The study will use a self-made questionnaire involving questions with regards to

determining the specific day of a given date. The questionnaire will be designed to

collect data concerning the participants’ performance which will undergo a

validity test through three evaluators, which are Master Teacher II and Master

Teachers III, before the experimentation.

5) Letters requesting for permission to conduct experimentation and to have a copy

of the master lists and First Quarter Pre-Calculus grades of the Grade 11 STEM

students, as basis in selecting the participants, will be submitted to the principal of

Digos City National High School.

6) The necessary materials including paper, pen, timer, and particularly the

questionnaires, which will be used in the study, will be prepared.

7) Introduction of LAZERAINES and Zeller’s Congruence Formula will be

conducted together with a number of pilot tests so that the participants will be

equally exposed to both the traditional and alternative method.

29
 8) In the experimentation, there will be two tests to be conducted. In the first test, 30

grade 11 STEM students (control group) from Digos City National High School

will be participating using the Zeller’s Congruence Formula. Whereas in the

second test, 30 grade 11 STEM students (experimental group) will also be

participating but will instead be using the LAZERAINES formula.

9) During the tests, each participant will be having a timer with them to measure

their speed in answering each item in the questionnaire in which the researcher

will be monitoring throughout the experimentation.

10) After the experimentation, the answers will be checked to measure its accuracy

together with the time it took for the students in both groups to solve the problem.

11) An independent t-test and a 0.05 level of significance will be used in testing the

hypothesis. In addition, mean and standard deviation will be used to calculate the

mean score and mean speed ratings of experimental and control group.

C.2 Confidentiality and Anonymity

Ethical concerns will be considered in conducting the research project. The researcher

will ensure that the personal information of the participants and the institution acquired

during the process will remain confidential to protect and respect their privacy. An Informed

Consent Form for Research Participants explaining the process and the importance of the

participants' involvement in the study will be provided, asking for their consent to participate.

The objectives and aims of the study will also be explained clearly to the participants, giving

them the autonomy to choose whether or not to engage in the project.

30
C. Data Analysis

An independent t-test will be used to test the significant difference on the mean score

rating and mean speed rating between the control and experimental group. As for the

statistical analysis, the mean and standard deviation will be used.

31
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