LINEAR EQUATIONS

Activity 2: Measuring the Size of the Seeds

Here, we will explore a way to measure the size of many seeds together using a ruler. By doing so, we will know the total size of the seeds, after which we can find the average size of each seed.

Step 1: Take two seeds of different types, Mustard and Jowar for example. You can also take any two seeds of different sizes. Just make a note of which seed is larger than the other.

Step 2: Take 5 mustard seeds and arrange them in a line without leaving a gap between the seeds.

Step 3: Keep a ruler (scale) on the mustard line and measure the length of the 5 seeds (as shown in the figure below). Remember that we should measure from where the first seed is aligned on the scale.

Step 4: Write your observations in the table as shown below. The number of seeds is denoted by n and the total length of the seeds by L . Note that you can use any unit of measurement as long as you maintain the same units throughout the exercise.

Step 5: For the second observation, we will take 10 seeds and find their length. Repeat the measurement for 15, 20, 25 and 30 seeds.

Then, repeat this exercise using Jowar seeds. Enter your observations in the table in the same way as you did for mustard seeds:

Write the answers to the following questions in the space provided:

Q1. Describe how you performed this activity.

Q2. What are the assumptions that we have made in this activity?

Q3. What are the possible sources of error in this activity?