Year 11 General Mathematics

When electricians plan where to run electrical cables a route is chosen to minimise the length of cable required. The cost of electrical cable is $3.00 per metre. So every metre saved is additional profit that the electrician will make.

The mathematical process of minimising distance on a spanning tree is derived by applying Prim’s algorithm. 

Michael’s year 11 General Mathematics class can be seen learning Prim’s algorithm using scale diagrams, and blocks representing a real-world problem.  

What is the minimum length of water pipe required to ensure all towns are connected to a water supply?