LAB ACTIVITY MANUAL
Activity 1
OBJECTIVE MATERIAL REQUIRED
To sketch the graphs of ax and logax, Drawing board, geometrical instru-
a > 0, a ≠ 1 and to examine that they ments, drawing pins, thin wires,
are mirror images of each other. sketch pens, thick white paper,
adhesive, pencil, eraser, a plane
mirror, squared paper.
METHOD OF CONSTRUCTION
1. On the drawing board, fix a thick paper sheet of convenient size 20 cm × 20 cm
(say) with adhesive.
2. On the sheet, take two perpendicular lines XOX′ and YOY′, depicting
coordinate axes.
3. Mark graduations on the two axes as shown in the Fig. 7.
4. Find some ordered pairs satisfying y = ax and y = logax. Plot these points
corresponding to the ordered pairs and join them by free hand curves in
both the cases. Fix thin wires along these curves using drawing pins.
5. Draw the graph of y = x, and fix a wire along the graph, using drawing pins.
DEMONSTRATION
1. For ax, take a = 2 (say), and find ordered pairs satisfying it as
1 1
x 0 1 –1 2 –2 3 –3 – 4
2 2
1 1
2x 1 2 0.5 4 8 1.4 0.7 16
4 8
and plot these ordered pairs on the squared paper and fix a drawing pin at
each point.
2. Join the bases of drawing pins with a thin wire. This will represent the graph
of 2x.
3. log2x = y gives x = 2 y . Some ordered pairs satisfying it are:
1 1 1
x 1 2 4 8
2 4 8
y 0 1 –1 2 –2 3 –3
Plot these ordered pairs on the squared paper (graph paper) and fix a drawing
pin at each plotted point. Join the bases of the drawing pins with a thin wire.
This will represent the graph of log2x.
4. Draw the graph of line y = x on the sheet.
5. Place a mirror along the wire representing y = x. It can be seen that the two
graphs of the given functions are mirror images of each other in the line y = x.
OBSERVATION
1. Image of ordered pair (1, 2) on the graph of y = 2x in y = x is ______. It lies
on the graph of y = _______.
2. Image of the point (4, 2) on the graph y = log2x in y = x is _________ which
lies on the graph of y = _______.
Repeat this process for some more points lying on the two graphs.
APPLICATION
This activity is useful in understanding the concept of (exponential and
logarithmic functions) which are mirror images of each other in y = x.
Activity 2
OBJECTIVE MATERIAL REQUIRED
To establish a relationship between Hardboard, white sheet, graph
common logarithm (to the base 10) paper, pencil, scale, log tables or
and natural logarithm (to the base e) calculator (graphic/scientific).
of the number x.
METHOD OF CONSTRUCTION
1. Paste a graph paper on a white sheet and fix the sheet on the hardboard.
2. Find some ordered pairs satisfying the function y = log10x. Using log tables/
calculator and draw the graph of the function on the graph paper (see Fig. 8)
X¢
1
O 1 2
e
3 4 5 6 7
}
y
}
8
y¢
y¢ = loge x
y = log10 x
9 10
X
Y¢
3. Similarly, draw the graph of y′ = logex on the same graph paper as shown in
the figure (using log table/calculator).
DEMONSTRATION
1. Take any point on the positive direction of x-axis, and note its x-coordinate.
2. For this value of x, find the value of y-coordinates for both the graphs of
y = log10x and y′ = logex by actual measurement, using a scale, and record
them as y and y′, respectively.
y
3. Find the ratio .
y′
4. Repeat the above steps for some more points on the x-axis (with different
values) and find the corresponding ratios of the ordinates as in Step 3.
5. Each of these ratios will nearly be the same and equal to 0.4, which is
1
approximately equal to log 10 .
e
OBSERVATION
y
S.No. Points on y = log10 x y ′ = log e x Ratio y ′
the x-axis (approximate)
1. x1= _____ y1 = _____ y′1 = _____ __________
2. x 2 =_____ y2 = _____ y′2 = _____ __________
3. x 3 =_____ y3 = _____ y′3 = _____ __________
4. x 4 =_____ y4 = _____ y′4 = _____ __________
5. x 5 =_____ y5 = _____ y′5 = _____ __________
6. x 6 =_____ y6 = _____ y6′ = _____ __________
y
2. The value of for each point x is equal to _________ approximately.
y′
y
3. The observed value of ′ in each case is approximately equal to the value of
y
1
log e 10 . (Yes/No)
4. Therefore, log10 x = .
log e 10
APPLICATION
This activity is useful in converting log of a number in one given base to log of
that number in another base.
NOTE
Let, y = log10x, i.e., x = 10y.
Taking logarithm to base e on both the sides, we get log e x = y log e 10
1
or y =
log e 10
(loge x)
log10 x 1
⇒ =
log e x log e 10 = 0.434294 (using log tables/calculator).
Activity 3
OBJECTIVE MATERIAL REQUIRED
To find analytically the limit of a Paper, pencil, calculator.
function f (x) at x = c and also to check
the continuity of the function at that
point.
METHOD OF CONSTRUCTION
x 2 – 16
, x ≠ 4
1. Consider the function given by f ( x) = x – 4
10, x = 4
2. Take some points on the left and some points on the right side of c (= 4)
which are very near to c.
3. Find the corresponding values of f (x) for each of the points considered in
step 2 above.
4. Record the values of points on the left and right side of c as x and the
corresponding values of f (x) in a form of a table.
DEMONSTRATION
1. The values of x and f (x) are recorded as follows:
Table 1 : For points on the left of c (= 4).
x 3.9 3.99 3.999 3.9999 3.99999 3.999999 3.9999999
f (x) 7.9 7.99 7.999 7.9999 7.99999 7.999999 7.9999999
2. Table 2: For points on the right of c (= 4).
x 4.1 4.01 4.001 4.0001 4.00001 4.000001 4.0000001
f (x) 8.1 8.01 8.001 8.0001 8.00001 8.000001 8.0000001
OBSERVATION
1. The value of f (x) is approaching to ________, as x → 4 from the left.
2. The value of f (x) is approaching to ________, as x → 4 from the right.
3. So, lim f ( x ) = ________ and lim+ f ( x ) = ________.
x→ 4 x →4
4. Therefore, lim f ( x ) = ________ , f (4) = ________.
x →4
5. Is lim f ( x ) = f (4) ________ ? (Yes/No)
x →4
6. Since f ( c ) ≠ lim f ( x) , so, the function is ________ at x = 4 (continuous/
x →c
not continuous).
APPLICATION
This activity is useful in understanding the concept of limit and continuity of a
function at a point.
Activity 4
OBJECTIVE MATERIAL REQUIRED
To understand the concepts of Drawing board, white chart paper,
absolute maximum and minimum adhesive, geometry box, pencil and
values of a function in a given closed eraser, sketch pens, ruler, calculator.
interval through its graph.
Y
22
20
18
16
14
12
10
8
6
4
2
¢ 1.27
X X
2 3 1 1 O 1 1 3 2
2 2 2 2 2
4
¢
Y
METHOD OF CONSTRUCTION
1. Fix a white chart paper of convenient size on a drawing board using adhesive.
2. Draw two perpendicular lines on the squared paper as the two rectangular axes.
3. Graduate the two axes as shown in Fig.15.
4. Let the given function be f (x) = (4x2 – 9) (x2 – 1) in the interval [–2, 2].
5. Taking different values of x in [–2, 2], find the values of f (x) and plot the
ordered pairs (x, f (x)).
6. Obtain the graph of the function by joining the plotted points by a free hand
curve as shown in the figure.
DEMONSTRATION
1. Some ordered pairs satisfying f (x) are as follows:
x 0 ± 0.5 ± 1.0 1.25 1.27 ± 1.5 ±2
f (x) 9 6 0 – 1.55 –1.56 0 21
2. Plotting these points on the chart paper and joining the points by a free hand
curve, the curve obtained is shown in the figure.
OBSERVATION
1. The absolute maximum value of f (x) is ________ at x = ________.
2. Absolute minimum value of f (x) is ________ at x = _________.
APPLICATION
The activity is useful in explaining the concepts of absolute maximum / minimum
value of a function graphically.
NOTE
Consider f (x) = (4x2 – 9) (x2 – 1)
3
f (x) = 0 gives the values of x as ± and ±1 . Both these values of x lie in the
2
given closed interval [–2, 2].
f ′ (x) = (4x2 – 9) 2x + 8x (x2 – 1) = 16x3 – 26x = 2x (8x2 – 13)
13
f ′ (x) = 0 gives x = 0, x = ± = ± 1.27 . These two values of x lie in [–2, 2].
8
The function has local maxima/minima at x = 0 and x = ± 1.27, respectively.
Activity 5
OBJECTIVE MATERIAL REQUIRED
To construct an open box of maximum Chart papers, scissors, cellotape,
volume from a given rectangular sheet calculator.
by cutting equal squares from each
corner.
METHOD OF CONSTRUCTION
1. Take a rectangular chart paper of size 20 cm × 10 cm and name it as ABCD.
2. Cut four equal squares each of side x cm from each corner A, B, C and D.
3. Repeat the process by taking the same size of chart papers and different
values of x.
4. Make an open box by folding its flaps using cellotape/adhesive.
DEMONSTRATION
1. When x = 1, Volume of the box = 144 cm3
2. When x = 1.5, Volume of the box = 178.5 cm3
3. When x = 1.8, Volume of the box = 188.9 cm3.
4. When x = 2, Volume of the box = 192 cm3.
5. When x = 2.1, Volume of the box = 192.4 cm3.
6. When x = 2.2, Volume of the box = 192.2 cm3.
7. When x = 2.5, Volume of the box = 187.5 cm3.
8. When x = 3, Volume of the box = 168 cm3.
Clearly, volume of the box is maximum when x = 2.1.
OBSERVATION
1. V1 = Volume of the open box ( when x = 1.6) = .................
2. V2 = Volume of the open box ( when x = 1.9) = .................
3. V = Volume of the open box ( when x = 2.1) = .................
4. V3 = Volume of the open box ( when x = 2.2) = .................
5. V4 = Volume of the open box ( when x = 2.4) = .................
6. V5 = Volume of the open box ( when x = 3.2) = .................
7. Volume V1 is ____________ than volume V.
8. Volume V2 is ____________ than volume V.
9. Volume V3 is ____________ than volume V.
10. Volume V4 is ____________ than volume V.
11. Volume V5 is ____________ than volume V.
So, Volume of the open box is maximum when x = ________.
APPLICATION
This activity is useful in explaining the concepts of maxima/minima of functions.
It is also useful in making packages of maximum volume with minimum cost.
NOTE
Let V denote the volume of the box.
Now V = (20 – 2x) (10 – 2x) x
or V = 200x – 60x2 + 4x3
dV
= 200 –120 x +12 x 2 . For maxima or minima, we have,
dx
dV
= 0 , i.e., 3x2 – 30x + 50 = 0
dx
30 ± 900 – 600
i.e., x = = 7.9 or 2.1
6
Reject x = 7.9.
d 2V
= –120 + 24 x
dx2
d 2V
When x = 2.1, is negative.
dx 2
Hence, V should be maximum at x = 2.1.
Activity 6
OBJECTIVE MATERIAL REQUIRED
To find the time when the area of a Chart paper, paper cutter, scale,
rectangle of given dimensions become pencil, eraser, cardboard.
maximum, if the length is decreasing
and the breadth is increasing at given
rates.
METHOD OF CONSTRUCTION
1. Take a rectangle R1 of dimensions 16 cm × 8 cm.
2. Let the length of the rectangle is decreasing at the rate of 1cm/second and
the breadth is increasing at the rate of 2 cm/second.
3. Cut other rectangle R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, R9, etc. of dimensions 15 cm ×
10 cm, 14 cm × 12 cm, 13 cm × 14 cm, 12 cm × 16 cm, 11 cm × 18 cm,
10 cm × 20 cm, 9 cm × 22 cm, 8 cm × 24 cm (see Fig.17).
4. Paste these rectangles on card board.
DEMONSTRATION
1. Length of the rectangle is decreasing at the rate of 1cm/s and the breadth is
increasing at the rate of 2cm/s.
2. (i) Area of the given rectangle R1 = 16 × 8 = 128 cm2.
(ii) Area of rectangle R2 = 15 × 10 = 150 cm2 (after 1 sec).
(iii) Area of rectangle R3 = 168 cm2 (after 2 sec).
(iv) Area of rectangle R4 = 182 cm2 (after 3 sec).
(v) Area of rectangle R5 = 192 cm2 (after 4 sec).
(vi) Area of rectangle R6 = 198 cm2 (after 5 sec).
(vii) Area of rectangle R7 = 200 cm2 (after 6 sec).
(viii) Area of rectangle R8 = 198 cm2 (after 7 sec) and so on.
Thus the area of the rectangle is maximum after 6 sec.
OBSERVATION
1. Area of the rectangle R2 (after 1 sec) = __________.
2. Area of the rectangle R4 (after 3 sec) = __________.
3. Area of the rectangle R6 (after 5 sec) = __________.
4. Area of the rectangle R7 (after 6 sec) = __________.
5. Area of the rectangle R8 (after 7 sec) = __________.
6. Area of the rectangle R9 (after 8 sec) = __________.
7. Rectangle of Maximum area (after ..... seconds) = _______.
8. Area of the rectangle is maximum after _________ sec.
9. Maximum area of the rectangle is _________.
APPLICATION
This activity can be used in explaining the concept of rate of change and
optimisation of a function.
The function has local maxima/minima at x = 0 and x = ± 1.27, respectively.
NOTE
Let the length and breadth of rectangle be a and b.
The length of rectangle after t seconds = a – t.
The breadth of rectangle after t seconds = b + 2t.
Area of the rectangle (after t sec) = A (t) = (a – t) (b + 2t) = ab – bt + 2at – 2t2
A′ (t) = – b + 2a – 4t
For maxima or minima, A′ (t) = 0.
2a – b
A ′ (t ) = 0 ⇒ t =
4
A ′′ (t ) = – 4
⎛ 2a – b ⎞
⎝ 4 ⎟⎠
A ′′ ⎜ = – 4 , which is negative
2a – b
Thus, A ( t ) is maximum at t = seconds.
4
Here, a = 16 cm, b = 8 cm.
32 – 8 24
Thus, t = = = 6 seconds
4 4
Hence, after 6 second, the area will become maximum.
Activity 7
OBJECTIVE MATERIAL REQUIRED
To verify that amongst all the rect- Chart paper, paper cutter, scale,
angles of the same perimeter, the pencil, eraser cardboard, glue.
square has the maximum area.
METHOD OF CONSTRUCTION
1. Take a cardboard of a convenient size and paste a white paper on it.
2. Make rectangles each of perimeter say 48 cm on a chart paper. Rectangles
of different dimensions are as follows:
R1 : 16 cm × 8 cm, R2 : 15 cm × 9 cm
R3 : 14 cm × 10 cm, R4 : 13 cm × 11 cm
R5 : 12 cm × 12 cm, R6 : 12.5 cm × 11.5 cm
R7 : 10.5 cm × 13.5 cm
3. Cut out these rectangles and paste them on the white paper on the cardboard
(see Fig. 18 (i) to (vii)).
4. Repeat step 2 for more rectangles of different dimensions each having
perimeter 48 cm.
5. Paste these rectangles on cardboard.
DEMONSTRATION
1. Area of rectangle of R1 = 16 cm × 8 cm = 128 cm2
Area of rectangle R2 = 15 cm × 9 cm = 135 cm2
Area of R3 = 140 cm2
Area of R4 = 143 cm2
Area of R5 = 144 cm2
Area of R6 = 143.75 cm2
Area of R7 = 141.75 cm2
2. Perimeter of each rectangle is same but their area are different. Area of
rectangle R5 is the maximum. It is a square of side 12 cm. This can be verified
using theoretical description given in the note.
OBSERVATION
1. Perimeter of each rectangle R1, R2, R3, R4, R4, R6, R7 is _________.
2. Area of the rectangle R3 ________ than the area of rectangle R5.
3. Area of the rectangle R6 _______ than the area of rectangle R5.
4. The rectangle R5 has the diamensions ______ × ______ and hence it is a
________.
5. Of all the rectangles with same perimeter, the ________ has the maximum
area.
APPLICATION
This activity is useful in explaining the idea
of Maximum of a function. The result is also
useful in preparing economical packages.
NOTE
Let the length and breadth of rectangle be x and y.
The perimeter of the rectangle P = 48 cm.
2 (x + y) = 48
or x + y = 24 or y = 24 – x
Let A (x) be the area of rectangle, then
A (x) = xy
= x (24 – x)
= 24x – x2
A′ (x) = 24 – 2x
A′ (x) = ⇒ 24 – 2x = 0 ⇒ x = 12
A′′ (x) = – 2
A′′ (12) = – 2, which is negative
Therefore, area is maximum when x = 12
y = x = 24 – 12 = 12
So, x = y = 12
Hence, amongst all rectangles, the square has the maximum area.
