TUNKU ABDUL RAHMAN UNIVERSITY OF MANAGEMENT AND TECHNOLOGY 

FACULTY OF ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY

MARKING RUBRICS FOR BTGE 1023 ASSIGNMENT

STUDENT’S NAME & ID:  1.                                                                                                                                                                       

                                                 2.                                                                                                                                                                      
                                                 3.
                                                 4.
REMARKS (IF ANY):
EXAMINER’S SIGNATURE:

DATE:

MARKING RUBRIC
NUM MARKING MARKS RUBRICS SCORES
CRITERIA ALLOCATED ATTAINED
0–4 5-8 9 - 10
1
PRESENT GOOD PRESENT
INTRODUCTION NON, LIMITED OBJECTIVES, EXCELLENT
AND OR IRRELEVANT INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES,
BACKGROUND TO THE WORK BACKGROUND STUDY INTRODUCTION
STUDY BASED ON FEW AND
2% SOURCES/LITERATURE BACKGROUND
REVIEWS STUDY BASED ON
IMPORTANT AND
RELEVANT
SOURCES/
LITERATURE
REVIEWS

0–4 5-8 9 - 10
EXPERIMENTAL
DESIGN
THE THE EXPERIMENTAL THE
EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN IS ADEQUATELY EXPERIMENTAL
DESIGN IS STRUCTURED AND DESIGN IS WELL-
POORLY EXPLAINED. IT INCLUDES STRUCTURED
STRUCTURED A DESCRIPTION OF THE AND CLEARLY
AND EXPLAINED. METHODOLOGY AND THE EXPLAINED. IT
1% IT INCLUDES A VARIABLES THAT WILL INCLUDES A
VAGUE BE MEASURED. DETAILED
DESCRIPTION OF DESCRIPTION OF
THE THE
METHODOLOGY METHODOLOGY
AND THE AND THE
VARIABLES VARIABLES THAT
THAT WILL BE WILL BE
 SOFTWARE
MEASURED. MEASURED
SKILLS / DATA
COLLECTION &
ANALYSIS 2% 0–4 5-8 9 - 10

DATA IS NOT DATA IS COLLECTED DATA IS

COLLECTED OR ACCURATELY AND COLLECTED
IS INCOMPLETE. THOROUGHLY WITH ACCURATELY
DATA IS NOT SOME ERRORS. DATA IS AND
ANALYZED OR ANALYZED, BUT NOT ALL THOROUGHLY
INAPPROPRIATE APPROPRIATE WITH MINIMAL
MATHEMATICAL MATHEMATICAL ERRORS. DATA IS
TECHNIQUES TECHNIQUES ARE USED. ANALYZED USING

1
 ARE USED. APPROPRIATE
MATHEMATICAL
TECHNIQUES,

0–4 5-8 9 - 10

VERY LIMITED / BRIEFLY DETAIL DISCUSS/

INCORRECT / NO DISCUSS/DEMONSTRATE DEMONSTRATE
ATTEMPT TO THE FUNCTIONALITY THE
DISCUSS/ AND CAPABILITY OF THE FUNCTIONALITY
DEMONSTRATE WORK AND CAPABILITY
6%
THE OF THE WORK,
FUNCTIONALITY
SOME RESULTS ARE
AND CAPABILITY
CORRECTLY ALL RESULTS ARE
OF THE WORK
INTERPRETED AND CORRECTLY
DISCUSSED INTERPRETED
AND DISCUSSED

0–4 5-8 9 - 10

NON, LIMITED BRIEFLY DISCUSS SOME DETAIL

OR IRRELEVANT LIMITATIONS AND DISCUSSION ON
LIMITATIONS SUGGESTIONS FOR IMPORTANT AND
2% AND IMPROVEMENT   RELEVANT
SUGGESTIONS LIMITATIONS
FOR AND
IMPROVEMENT SUGGESTIONS
FOR
IMPROVEMENT  

0–4 5-8 9 - 10

NON, LIMITED VALID AND GOOD VALID AND

OR IRRELEVANT CONCLUSION WITH EXCELLENT
RESULTS AND 2% CONCLUSION GOOD UNDERSTANDING CONCLUSION
DISCUSSION OF THE WORK, ONLY WITH GREAT
MINOR IMPROVEMENTS UNDERSTANDING
ARE NEEDED OF THE WORK 
 

0–4 5-8 9 - 10

NON, LIMITED SOME REFERENCES COMPREHENSIVE

2% OR IRRELEVANT WITHOUT PROPER AND PROPER
REFERENCES FORMAT REFERENCES AND
CITATIONS
LIMITATIONS AND
SUGGESTIONS FOR
IMPROVEMENT 0–4 5-8 9 - 10

NO/ WEAK MODERATE GREAT

PRESENTATION PRESENTATION SKILLS PRESETATION
SKILLS MODERATE REPORT SKILLS
POOR REPORT FORMAT DISTRIBUTION GREAT REPORT
3% FORMAT  OF TASKS/ WORKLOADS FORMAT
CONCLUSION AMONG THE TEAM GREAT
DISTRIBUTION OF
TASKS/
WORKLOADS
AMONG THE
TEAM

REFERENCES
2
MARKS AWARDED 20%
TOTAL MARKS AWARDED:

3
Introduction and Background Study

Differentiation is a mathematical technique that is under the topic of calculus which was
invented by Sir Isaac Newton. Differentiation has many applications including optimization
which allows us to find maximum and minimum values of a certain function. This allows us
to identify the peak value which may increase efficiency when designing a process. Other
than that, differentiation allows us to identify the rate of change of a situation. For example,
when the function of displacement is differentiated, a function of velocity is derived.
Furthermore, differentiation allows approximation to the most precise value especially for
situations like finding the value of revenue of a business. Differentiation also allows us to
sketch graph and identify critical points and inflexion points on it to further analyse a
function.

General theory of differentiation by graphical method:

Differentiation, in mathematics terms, is a process of finding the rate of change of a function,

or derivative of a function. In the graph, the derivative of a function f’(x) finds that the
function's general gradient equation is also indicating the instantaneous rate of change of f(x).

Let’s take an example of function f (x)= x2 :

Given that points p and q lie on the f(x) and a secant line is drawn to connect the points p and
q.

4
Let the point p=( x , y ), then the coordinate of point q will be ( x + Δx , y + Δy). The notation Δ
represents a small change in corresponding variables. When point q approach point p, Δ x will
become smaller and smaller. In the end, when the q is infinitely approached to the point p (
Δx → 0), a line that is approximate to the tangent line at p will be get. The gradient of this
tangent line at point p will be the gradient of f(x) at p. [1]

The gradient of a non-vertical line also known as the rate of change of y with respect to x (
Δy
). Thus, taking the point p as p=(x , y ) and the point q as q=(x+ Δx , y + Δy) :
Δx

Δy f (x + Δx )−f (x)
=f ' (x)=
Δx (x+ Δx)−x

f ( x + Δx )−f ( x )
¿
Δx

5
Thus, the gradient of tangent line (when Δx → 0) can be concluded to:

lim Δy lim f (x + Δx )−f (x)

Δx →0 Δx → 0
=
Δx Δx

We can also denote the instantaneous rate of change ( Δx → 0) at any point on f(x) as:

lim Δy
Δx →0 dy
=
Δx dx

dy
Be aware of the notation is indicating the instantaneous rate of change of y with respect to
dx
x instead of the division.

Let’s take a specific example: Find the gradient of f(x)=x2 at x=1:

When the x change from 1 to 3( Δx =2), y will change from 1 to 9( Δy =8 ), we connect the
Δy
secant line at x=1 and x=3, the rate of change ( ) when x changes from 1 to 3 will be:
Δx

6
The gradient of the tangent line is computed:

Coordinates (x,y) Δx Δy Δy
Gradient ( )
Δx

(3,9) 2 8 4

(2.5,6.25) 1.5 5.25 3.5

(2.4) 1 3 3

(1.5,2.25) 0.5 1.25 2.5

(1.1,1.21) 0.1 0.21 2.1

(1.001,1.002001) 0.001 0.002001 2.001

7
 dy
As Δx → 0, the → 2, which meaning that the gradient of the f(x) when x=1 is 2. We can
dx
dy
apply checking by using the 1st derivative of f(x) with respect to x which is .
dx

lim f (x+ Δx )−f (x)

dy Δx → 0
=
dx Δx

lim f (1+ Δx)−f (1)

¿ Δx →0
Δx

lim (1+ Δx )2−12

Δx →0
¿
Δx

2
lim Δx + 2 Δx
Δx →0
¿
Δx

¿ lim Δx +2
Δx → 0

¿ 0+2

¿2

The application of differentiation contributes to many research and studies in our modern
society. For an example, differentiation can be applied in medical science. In terms of
medical field, differentiation contributed by calculating changes and providing cure at the
specific time to achieve effective treatment. [2] To be more specific, a function M(t) is the
measure of medication of a patient’s blood.

2
t
M (t )=2 t− M =measure of medication∈milligramt=hours passed since organization
4

By applying differentiation on this function

dM 1
=2− t
dt 2

Thus, obtaining the rate of change of M with respect to time.

8
Getting inspiration from many other applications, this is a study on rate of growth of green
beans. The purpose behind this experiment is not only to observe its rate of growth.
Moreover, it is aim is to derive useful information related to agriculture.

Theoretical rate of growth of plant seedlings

The most fundamental characteristic of all living things is growth. Growth is a permanent,
irreversible increase in size of an organism.  Every living thing experiences the process of
growing larger as it matures. It is a metabolic process that cannot be stopped or reversed. All
species exhibit this trait, which is accompanied by several metabolic processes. In plants,
seeds sprout into new seedlings, which then develop into fully grown plants. Plants can
continuously grow throughout their entire life but there are also some limitations that lead to
the infinite growth of plants. Meristems are specialised cells that manage the entire growth
and development process in plants. [3]

Seed germination is a process by which various plant species develop from a single seed into
a plant is known as seed germination. This method has an impact on crop yield and quality.
Rapid water uptake by the seeds during the early stages of germination causes swelling and
optimal temperature-induced softening of the seed coat. Imbibition is the name given to this
phase. Enzymes are activated to begin the growth process. The seed starts to produce
proteins, respire, and metabolise the food that has been stored after activating its internal
physiology. This is the seed germination lag phase. [4] The seed coat bursts, allowing the
radicle to emerge and develop into a primary root. The seed begins to take up water from
underground. After the radicle and plumule have emerged, the shoot begins to ascend. The
seed cell extends, divides, and becomes metabolically active during the last stage of seed
germination to produce the seedling.

Besides that, investigating the growth of plant seedlings using differentiation involve
measuring the height of the seedlings at different time intervals and calculating the rate of
growth at different stages of development. This process involves collecting of data and
differentiation of the data, and interpretation of the results.

9
The growth of plants can vary depending on several factors such as temperature, light
intensity, water (humidity) and number of plant seedlings. Plants with different environments
will have different rates of growth. Plants reach the highest rate of growth when they meet
their optimal condition. In order to thrive, plants require nutrients, water, light, warmth, and
air. One of these requirements may prevent a plant from growing or even cause it to perish.
For instance, a plant kept in a dark environment will grow tall and spindly in search of light
before deteriorating and dying.

Factor Effect

Temperature  In this experiment, the higher the temperature, the faster the rate of growth.
In general, higher temperature benefits shoot growth, including leaf
enlargement and stem thickening and lengthening. Plants reach the highest
rate of growth when they meet optimal temperature. Every plant has their
suitable optimal temperature. Most plants can withstand normal
temperature fluctuations. The perfect temperature for most plants to grow is
21-24 degrees Celsius.

Light
The production of plant food, stem length, leaf colour, and flowering are all
intensity
influenced by light intensity. Low-light plants typically have spindly
growth and light-green leaves. Similar plants cultivated in intense lighting
typically have shorter, better branches and larger, dark green leaves. The
longer the time in good quality of light intensity, the faster the rate of
growth of plant seedlings. This is because more light intensity to drive
photosynthesis reactions and the rate of photosynthesis will increase in high
light intensity. The majority of plants reach highest rate of growth when
they meet optimal light intensity.

Humidity The humidity impacts the amount of water the plants evaporate through
their leaves. Plants cannot expel water if the humidity is too high, which
will prevent the growth of plant seedlings and evaporation. For plants to
grow, water is a necessity. When there is enough water, they thrive. They
even react when there is a water shortage.

10
Soil nutrient
For healthy growth, plants require an adequate supply of nutrients. The
quantity and quality of nutrients have an impact on plant growth. Our
growth rate rises as nutrient levels rise, reaching a high treatment level.

11
Experimental design

We design an experiment which includes 4 sets of variables

Variables Set 1 Set 2 Set 3 Set 4

Water 2 1 1 1
Environment Soil Cotton Cotton Cotton
Number of Seeds 1 2 1 1
Location Outdoor Outdoor Indoor Toilet

Figure 3.0 Table showing experiment sets

1. Each member was assigned to do the respective experiment set.

2. Measurements was taken every day using a ruler.
3. Step 2 was repeated for 21 days.
4. The height of the green bean was recorded into a table and a graph of height against
day was plotted.
5. The graph was further analysed to model an equation to explain the growth of green
beans.
6. Differentiation was applied to identify a function of rate of growth.

12
Results and Discussion

Set 1

Day Height(c
m)
1 0
Graph of Height against Day
2 0 Height (cm)
35
3 0
30
4 5.4 f(x) = − 0.0644803708876935 x² + 2.9840227049838 x − 4.81022556390977
25
5 9
6 12.6 20

7 14.6 15

8 16.1 10

9 17.2 5

10 18.5 0 Days
0 5 10 15 20 25
11 19
12 21.7
13 22.8
14 23.8
15 25.3
16 26.2

13
 17 26.7
18 27.8
19 28.8
20 29.3
21 30

Equation of polynomial trendline: y=−0.0645 x 2 +2.984 x−4.8102

dy
After differentiation: =−0.0645 x+ 2.984
dx

14
Set 2

Average
Graph of Height against Day
Height Height Height
25
Day 1 (cm) 2 (cm) (cm)
1 0 0 0
2 0.1 0.1 0.1 20 f(x) = 0.005308107225 x² + 0.9181891735267 x − 1.194135338346

3 0.5 0.4 0.45

4 0.7 0.6 0.65 15

5 1 0.9 0.95
6 2 2.2 2.1
10
7 3 3.5 3.25
8 5 3.5 4.25
5
9 6 5.5 5.75
10 6.1 5.5 5.8
11 6.2 5.8 6 0
0 5 10 15 20 25
12 10 9.6 9.8
13 12 11 11.5
14 13 12.5 12.75
15 15 14 14.5
16 15.5 15 15.25
17 15.8 16 15.9
18 16.5 16.2 16.35
19 17 16.8 16.9
20 18 17.4 17.7
21 18.5 18 18.25

15
Equation of polynomial trendline: y=0.0053 x 2 +0.9182 x −1.1941

dy
After differentiation: =0.0053 x+ 0.9182
dx

Set 3

Time(days) Length(cm)
1 0 Rate of growth of plant seedlings
2 3.5 20
f(x) = − 0.102636036732147 x² + 2.86059021070463 x − 0.541353383458649
3 6.8 18
4 8.5
16
5 12
6 15 14

7 18.2
12
8 18.4
Length(cm)

9 18.6 10

10 18.3
8
11 18
6
12 17.8
13 17.7 4
14 17.5
2
15 17.3
16 17 0
0 5 10 15 20 25
17 17
Time(Days)
18 17
19 17
20 17
21 17

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Equation of polynomial trendline: y=−0.1026 x2 +2.8606 x−0.5414

dy
After differentiation: =−0.1026 x+ 2.8606
dx

Set 4

Height (cm)
Days seed 1 seed 2
1 0 0
2 0 0
3 0 2.7
4 0 4.4
5 0 6.9
6 2.5 10
7 3.1 13
8 5.7 14.3
9 6.5 15.4
10 7.1 16
11 8.8 16.7
12 10.5 17.2
13 12.5 18.5
14 13.2 19
15 14.1 20.8

17
 16 14.8 23.1
17 15.7 24.5
18 16.8 25.9
19 17 27.1
20 17 28.4
21 17 29

Equation of polynomial trendline seed 1: y=−0.0071 x 2 +1.2139 x −3.5502

dy
After differentiation: =−0.0142 x+1.2139
dx

Equation of polynomial trendline seed 2: y=−0.0288 x 2 +2.0825−2.5093

dy
After differentiation: =−0.0576 x+ 2.0825
dx

18
Discussion

Se Discussion
t
1 The equation, y=−0.0645 x 2 +2.984 x−4.8102is expressing a function of height
based on time, in this situation y is the height (in cm) while x is the time (days). The
function shows that at the 21st day, the height should be 29.04 cm which is close to
the original data recorded.

The graph shows an exponential growth of the plant, the plant was not growing for
the first few days. After that period, its growth began to spurt and increased
exponentially.

This showed that the effect of nutrients on the growth of plant is crucial.

dy
From the trendline equation, its derivative was found to be =−0.0645 x+ 2.984, ie
dx
its rate of growth is about 1.6295 cm/day.

When y is differentiated with respect to x, the equation gives us a function of rate of

growth. The function can approximate the rate of growth of plant based on the time
(days) given.

This is helpful when predicting the number of crops able to yield in larger agriculture
field.

2 The graph shows a similar growth; however, it is slightly more on a linear growth. On
the 8-10th day, it experienced a slower growth, however it picked its growth back up
and increased linearly.
The equation of growth, y=0.0053 x 2 +0.9182 x −1.1941was formed. The function
shows that at the 21st day, the height should be 20.43 cm which is close to the original
data recorded. The gap between the actual height and theoretical height is slightly
more significant. However, this is caused by having 2 seeds in one environment
which increases the variable risks. Furthermore, this set of experiment was the only
one that has a positive quadratic function. This might be caused by having 2 seeds
which acts as competition to each other. Hence, this might delay the growth of both
seed by a little, but it also helps extend their lifespan as it does not reach its maximum

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 growth in the shortest time.

dy
From the trendline equation, its derivative was found to be =0.0053 x+ 0.9182, ie
dx
its rate of growth is about 1.0295 cm/day.

3 The graph shows a linear growth at first, however after the 11 th day, it experiences a
quadratic decrease.
The equation, y=−0.1026 x2 +2.8606 x−0.5414 was formed. The function shows that
at the 21st day, the height should be 14.28 cm. There is a large gap between the actual
value and the original value. This is due to the drop in height which results in a huge
change.
dy
From the trendline equation, its derivative was found to be =−0.1026 x+ 2.8606,
dx
its rate of growth is about 0.706 cm/day.

4. In this set, 2 graphs are provided due to the wilting of the first seed. This might be
caused by the harsh environment growing in a toilet due to bacteria and high
humidity.
However, both graphs look like the growth in set 2 except that the wilting occurs
much quicker than set 2.
For the first graph, the equation, y=−0.0071 x 2 +1.2139 x −3.5502is formed. The
function shows that at the 21st day, the height should be 18.81 cm if it managed to live
for 21 days

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Limitation and suggestion

Limitation Suggestion
Light: Try to plant inside a enclosed place and put
While the light is too bright and hot will some special digital light which is almost
harm the seedlings, but not enough light the same as sun and use computer control the
seedlings will do less photosynthesis. light with specific temperature.
Water: Use the pot with hole under the pot when
While too much water can cause the root the soil absorbed enough of water will
rot, too little water can cause seedlings to release the excess water through hole.
wilt.
Soil nutrients: Try to fertilize with organic fertilizer.
If the soil nutrient is less can cause stunted
growth.
Soil quality: When see the soil is too compacted we can
If a soil that is too compacted can prevent try use digger too loose the soil or we can
the roots from growing properly. pet a worm in the pot.
pH: Try to search from online or book try to find
For optimal growth, different plants require the research of the plant suitable pH value,
varied pH value. and use the specific pH value soil.
Seed quality: Try to plant more too prevent the seeds is
Poor quality seeds could fail to germinate. fail to germinate and got backup plant.

Measuring tools Measurement can be taken a few more times

to obtain average results which can increase
the accuracy of measurements
Standardization The growth of plant does not contribute
solely to its height only, Furthermore, its
growth includes its leaves and roots.
However, for standardization of
measurement, the height of stem was
measured only.

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22
Conclusion

In conclusion, we can find the maximum and lowest values of growth by using differentiation
to illustrate the rate of change in bean growth. In addition to obtaining the results of growth,
we may ascertain the purpose of plant growth. Finding the plant's rate of change and
obtaining its peak value from the manner of planting have an impact on the procedure to
investigate mass of crop production. The rate of a plant's growth can be calculated by
considering variables including temperature, light intensity, moisture content, and soil
nutrients. To get the best possible growth rate, the seedling must be well-cared for. By
differentiating the function of displacement, the result of the function of growth is obtained to
calculate the maximum or peak of the bean growth. As a result, a graph of polynomial growth
of beans will show the precise point of maximum value. As we can see from the data
recorded, the theoretical data calculated and the experimental data value obtained has a small
difference and is slightly inconsistent. The results obtained from this experiment has
demonstrated the importance of application of differentiation. By modelling the growth of
beans, it can be beneficial to study the ways to increase production mass within a period. It
also gives insight on the behaviour of plant growth.

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Reference

[1]“Layout,” Amsi.org.au, 2019.

https://amsi.org.au/ESA_Senior_Years/PDF/IntroDiffCall3b.pdf

2. https://philstat.org/index.php/MSEA/article/view/1879/1372
3. GeeksforGeeks,2022, Phases of growth in plants - growth rates, viewed by 11
Apr 2023, <https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/plant-growth-rates/>.
4. BYJU’S, 2019, Seed germination, viewed by 8 Apr 2023,
<https://byjus.com/biology/seed-germination/>.

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