1060 Reflective Writing Prompt-
For the Quantitative Literacy credit required for Math 1060, we were asked to work through a mass spring project. Trigonometry was confusing in the beginning of the course, but the more 'real world' homework problems I did, the more I realized that it does make sense- and has a very significant application in the 'real world.'
Some mass-spring applications that are important in everyday life include and are not limited to oscillation, supension/shock assembly in cars, and trampoline tension,...etc. For example, the mass spring system we did for homework can also be similar to, and replicate, oscillation. Oscillation describes the distance and direction of an object from its 'equilibrium' position. Oscillation can describe the behavior of sound waves, color waves as we view them, etc. Suspension/shock systems in car are important for obvious reasons- if calculation for force and speed are off it could result in some pretty bad accidents/whiplash. Also, trampoline tension uses the concept of the 'mass spring project' in a way so that it is held taught with enough force so as not to be slack.
Overall, this project didn't necessarily change my mind how I think about trigonometry- but more opened my eyes to all the useful ways it could be used. Having a proven system helps us by keeping people safe, exploring the concepts of color, sounds, etc. This project has helped me see that trigonometry is beyond knowing the area of a triangle so you can garden your yard, or how tall a wall is from where you are standing. I appreciate the insight and can use this information in real life application!
Some mass-spring applications that are important in everyday life include and are not limited to oscillation, supension/shock assembly in cars, and trampoline tension,...etc. For example, the mass spring system we did for homework can also be similar to, and replicate, oscillation. Oscillation describes the distance and direction of an object from its 'equilibrium' position. Oscillation can describe the behavior of sound waves, color waves as we view them, etc. Suspension/shock systems in car are important for obvious reasons- if calculation for force and speed are off it could result in some pretty bad accidents/whiplash. Also, trampoline tension uses the concept of the 'mass spring project' in a way so that it is held taught with enough force so as not to be slack.
Overall, this project didn't necessarily change my mind how I think about trigonometry- but more opened my eyes to all the useful ways it could be used. Having a proven system helps us by keeping people safe, exploring the concepts of color, sounds, etc. This project has helped me see that trigonometry is beyond knowing the area of a triangle so you can garden your yard, or how tall a wall is from where you are standing. I appreciate the insight and can use this information in real life application!