Problem:
The congressional district boundaries of the state of Computia are being redrawn into seven new districts roughly equal in population. Computia is a tranquil coastal state and is bounded by industrial states on the three remaining sides.
Portions of the coast of Computia are major points of shipping and international trade, other areas have developed as recreational retreats for the financial giants from the neighboring states, and some are very exclusive. The interior, at one time, was agricultural; however, more recently high-tech engineering and research facilities have formed the base for the economy.
As a result of the most recent census, Computia will have seven representatives in Congress. Each congressional representative will represent the citizens of a district.
Draw the new compact and contiguous district boundaries of Computia, as equal in population as possible. The current districts and corresponding population sizes are shown in the diagram below.
The congressional district boundaries of the state of Computia are being redrawn into seven new districts roughly equal in population. Computia is a tranquil coastal state and is bounded by industrial states on the three remaining sides.
Portions of the coast of Computia are major points of shipping and international trade, other areas have developed as recreational retreats for the financial giants from the neighboring states, and some are very exclusive. The interior, at one time, was agricultural; however, more recently high-tech engineering and research facilities have formed the base for the economy.
As a result of the most recent census, Computia will have seven representatives in Congress. Each congressional representative will represent the citizens of a district.
Draw the new compact and contiguous district boundaries of Computia, as equal in population as possible. The current districts and corresponding population sizes are shown in the diagram below.
For hints and the solution to this problem, click here.
Personal Reflection of Problem:
I believe this is a great project to show the importance and applications of mathematics and in the real world. It also shows that any problem can be approached and solved in a variety of ways that are all correct. This problem allows the student to be creative with the mathematics they do. Although it may seem simple and straight forward, this question requires students to use problem-solving skills to figure out how many people should be in each district and how to draw the boundaries.
Personal Reflection of Problem:
I believe this is a great project to show the importance and applications of mathematics and in the real world. It also shows that any problem can be approached and solved in a variety of ways that are all correct. This problem allows the student to be creative with the mathematics they do. Although it may seem simple and straight forward, this question requires students to use problem-solving skills to figure out how many people should be in each district and how to draw the boundaries.