Problem Statement
For this unit/problem we were given the task to find the height of the flag pole outside of HTHCV the problem was that we couldn't just grab a measuring tape and measure it since the flag pole was to tall. So what we started doing was brainstorming alternatives to measure the flag pole one of the ideas was to stand next to it and calculate the height from there, soon we figured out that it wasn't the best idea since it wouldn't be accurate. So we got introduced to a few methods which would actually help us find the height of the flag pole they are all shown below.
Process and Solution
My initial guess for the height of the HTHCV flag pole was from 25ft to 40ft which isn't to far from my final estimation.
In my own words similarity means some thing, which can be a shape or thing that are not the same but have characteristics that are alike.
In my own words similarity means some thing, which can be a shape or thing that are not the same but have characteristics that are alike.
Shadow Method
The shadow method was the first method that was introduced to us and in order to use this method you need a measuring tape, yourself and the shadow from the object you are trying to measure. To start you measure your shadow and height and after that you measure the objects height. Once you have those three measurement you can solve for x and find the missing height which would be C,B on the picture to the right.
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Mirror Method
The mirror method which was the method I understood the most required using a mirror, measuring tape, and yourself. You can see to the to the right how the mirror method works and what you have to do is place a mirror between yourself and the object you are trying to measure. Next what you need to do is make sure you can see the point on the object you are trying to measure in the mirror. Once you have done those two steps you can have you partner start measuring the only three lengths that are given, which is the distance from you to the mirror, the distance of the object to the mirror and your height. From that point you can pretty solve the problem.
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Isosceles Method
The isosceles method consists of one big triangle with a smaller one located in the inside of it, usually you will have at least three lengths given to you.
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Final estimation
My final estimation was 36ft. which was a combination of all the methods stated above. I think that our final estimation is very accurate because when we used the methods above we got answers that made a lot of sense and 36ft. sounds reasonable for a flag pole.
Problem Evaluation
Overall I really liked this problem/unit because we covered a lot of methods and I think it pushed my thinking. I especially like how there were a a lot of parts in this unit where the problems got difficult but I knew I could solve them which motivated me to work harder and try to find the answer.
Self Evaluation
looking back at the work and progress I did in the similarity unit I felt like I was productive in this unit but there are still a few more things I need to work on. Even though there were a few times where I did get off task I was always able to get my work done and have a solid understanding and answer for that days task. One of the occasions where this happened was during the mirror method when we got to go outside and measure the flag pole and other objects, in the beginning I was slacking off but I put myself in check right away and started getting every objects height. So for next year I want to be able to not only finish strong but also start off strong.