Silly math problem on precipitation

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a math problem related to calculating the volume of precipitation over the City of Guelph and comparing it to the average flow of water in the Speed River. Participants explore the necessary calculations and conversions involved in this problem.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents a problem involving the calculation of water volume from precipitation measurements and the area of Guelph.
  • Another participant points out the omission of units in the initial calculations, suggesting that this is a critical oversight.
  • A participant attempts to convert measurements to appropriate units and calculates the area in square meters, but there is confusion regarding the units used in the flow rate comparison.
  • There are repeated attempts to clarify the calculations and ensure proper unit conversions, with one participant emphasizing the importance of focusing on units.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express uncertainty regarding the calculations and the importance of unit conversions. There is no consensus on the correctness of the calculations presented, and multiple attempts to clarify the problem are made without resolving the discrepancies.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not fully resolved the mathematical steps involved in the calculations, particularly regarding unit conversions and the comparison of volumes. Some assumptions about the measurements and flow rates remain unaddressed.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for students or individuals interested in mathematical problem-solving, particularly in the context of environmental science and fluid dynamics.

yoshi6
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Hello everyone. I have this simple math problem that is worth 5 marks and I am not sure if it is right. Anyway it is on precipitation, here it is!

Record the amount of water (in centimetres) the tipping bucket rain gauge received. Calculate the total volume of water this would equal if this amount fell over the City of Guelph (area 86km squared). Is this volume greater or less than the average volume of water which flows through the city in the Spped River during a 24 hour period (average flow rate = 5.8mcubed per second).

Okay so first I am having trouble calculating the volume, I don't know why:

my recordings are: the amount of water (in centimetres) is four tenths of an inch--coverted equals 1.01600cm.

so, can I calculate this by multiplying 1.01600 x 86km

THANKS!
 
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pleaseeeee help!
 
I noticed that you didn't bother with the units in your calculation...
 
okay so here is my attempt...
convert---> 1.01600 to meters and 86 km squared to meters

and then... 0.01016 x 9270 x 9270 = 873, 078.3m^2 now to compare

24 hours in seconds/ 5.8m^2 per second= 86400/ 33.64=2568.37

So, therefore, the volume of water over Guelph city is greater than that of speed river.
 
can someone please be so kind and check this for me? Thanks!
 
yoshi6 said:
okay so here is my attempt...
convert---> 1.01600 to meters and 86 km squared to meters

and then... 0.01016 x 9270 x 9270 = 873, 078.3m^2 now to compare

24 hours in seconds/ 5.8m^2 per second= 86400/ 33.64=2568.37

So, therefore, the volume of water over Guelph city is greater than that of speed river.

You really need to focus on you units. This, for example, makes no sense.

24 hours in seconds/ 5.8m^2 per second= 86400/ 33.64=2568.37
 

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