In Math, this term we have been learning about like terms, Variables, Polynomials And exponents. First I will explain what these four things are. like terms are terms that have the same variables and powers. The coefficients do not need to match. A variable is an alphabetic character that represents a number. For example, (2y) or (19z). A polynomial is an equation consisting of variables and coefficients. It can only use addition, subtraction, and multiplication. An exponent is a number that is smaller and on the top right side of a number that indicates how many times the number will be multiplied by itself. For example,(23) means: 2 x 2 x 2 = 8. 23 . Now that you know the basis of what we studied during this term I can now explain to you our project. For our math project this term, we were put into groups of two and tasked with coming up with our own inquiry question that we could build our project around. I was paired up with Lauren. We decided to make our inquiry question “Do polynomials exist in music and if they do, how are they used?” After we got our inquiry question approved from our teacher, Mr. Gross we started working on our project. I thought the easiest and mist interesting way of finding Polynomials in music would be to find the frequencies of notes in different songs. Since a frequency is always paired with a number, me and Lauren (LINK) thought that this would be a good idea. To make this idea work, I had to download a frequency generator app on my phone and take notes of the wavelengths on my iPad. First, Lauren and I needed to find some songs. We tried to pick songs with simple and easy notes otherwise we would be spending way too much time on just the songs and not the actual math part. Here are the songs be decided on.
Drake – Gods Plan
Camila Cabello – Havana
Israel Kamakawiwoʻole – Over the Rainbow
After I picked the songs I then found the main notes used in each song.
Once I found all the notes for each song, I had to find the frequency of each note and write down the number.
Finally, Lauren and I had arrived at the final step. Finding the like terms and polynomials. When it came to the frequencies here is what we found.
When it came to the notes for each song here are the polynomials we found. (each type of note is highlighted a unique color to see which notes repeat themselves).
I really enjoyed this project, it was a lot of fun using math to find cool things hidden in songs that I have never bought about before.