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Coke Bottle Volume Project

May 24, 2018

AP Calculus

The purpose of this project was to find the volume of an object, similar to the the shape of a coke

bottle, using only calculus. We did this by measuring the width and height of the bottle, and

creating lines to fit the curves of the bottle. Then, we used desmos.com (a virtual graphing

calculator) to graph the bottle and make sure it has the correct shape. Then, using calculus, we

split the bottle into sections and found the volume of each sections. Adding the sections together,

we found the volume of the bottle. We then compared it to the actual volume, to see how

accurate our calculations were.

I used a Dr. Pepper bottle for my experiment, and followed the above outline to measure. As you

can see below, my graph looked very accurate and fit the shape of the bottle. When I had

finished, my calculations were only a few 100 mL off. While it was slightly off, it was still very

accurate for the work we did.

I chose this work as one of my best pieces because it took a great amount of effort and thought to

complete. This project took things I learned throughout the year in calculus, and built on it. AP

Calculus was one of the most difficult classes I have taken. Finishing this project, and doing it

well, showed me that I had worked hard for a good reason. The reader can see the hard work and

thought I put into this project, even though it was difficult to do. This work example helps show
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that, even when classes are difficult, I continue to push forward and work hard. Even though

Calculus was extremely difficult, I still worked hard and kept trying. This piece also shows that,

while I might not be perfect or excel in a certain class, I can still make quality work to be proud

of. Doing this project, I learned the true use of math in real life. I also learned that, sometimes it

takes mistakes and hard work to get it right. While it was difficult, and took lots of time and

mistakes, at the end it still ended beautiful. I ended up with something that I was very proud of,

despite the fact that learning calculus was hard. It taught me how to keep going, even when it

was difficult. I can use this knowledge in everything I do in the future. No matter what the class

is, this shows that I can still learn and excel at what I do. Even if, in the future, I make mistakes

and have difficulties, I can be reassured that I can do anything I put my mind to. I can do well

and work hard, even if it is difficult while doing it.