2007 Problems

Problem A

Problem: Smoke Alarms

Fire is one of the leading causes of accidental deaths. It is important for everyone to take every preventative measure and precaution possible to be ready to deal with a fire emergency.
More than half of all fatal fires occur between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. when everyone in the home is usually asleep. Smoke alarms are necessary to alert you to fires when you sleep. Will smoke alarms allow enough time to evacuate safely?
Build a mathematical model to determine the number and locations of smoke alarms to provide the maximum time for evacuation. Also include a model to determine the number and location of at-home fire extinguishers to have available. Build a mathematical model for evacuation of a family from both one and two story homes.

Prepare an advertisement for your local fire department to pass out to the community that includes the main results of your mathematical models.

One Story Home

Two Story Home
Downstairs

Upstairs

Problem B

Problem: Car Rentals

Some people rent a car when they are going on a long trip. They are convinced they save money. Even if they do not save money, they feel that the knowledge that "if the car breaks down on the trip, the problem is the rental company's" makes the rental worth it. Analyze this situation and determine under what conditions renting a car is a more appropriate option. Determine mileage limits on one's own car and a break-even value of "ease of mind" for the driver and her family.