STAGE 1: PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION
1.1 Background of the Problem
The school plans to renovate classroom floors by replacing the dusty and uneven
surfaces with tiles. This will improve cleanliness, reduce health risks, and make
classrooms more comfortable. However, there's confusion about how many tiles
are needed for each room because classrooms vary in size and tiles come in
different dimensions. This project seeks to resolve that uncertainty by using
precise measurements and calculations.
1.2 Project Title
Determining the Number of Tiles Required to Tile a Classroom Floor
1.3 Statement of Intent
The goal of this project is to find out exactly how many tiles are needed to cover
a classroom floor. This will be done by measuring the classroom, selecting a tile
size, and applying a clear formula that also considers tile wastage.
1.4 Objectives
1. Measure the dimensions of a chosen classroom accurately.
2. Calculate the area of the classroom floor.
3. Choose appropriate tile sizes and calculate how many are needed.
4. Include a percentage for tile wastage and cutting errors to avoid shortages.
1.5 Design Specifications
To get an accurate tile count, the following points are considered:
● Input: Classroom length and width, tile dimensions
● Process:
○ Calculate the classroom area (Length × Width)
○ Calculate the area of one tile
○ Use the formula:
Number of tiles = (Classroom area / Tile area) + 10% (for
wastage)
● Assumptions: The classroom is rectangular and standard tile sizes are
used
● Requirements: Results should be accurate and easy to understand, even
without advanced tools
STAGE 2: INVESTIGATION OF RELATED IDEAS
2.1 Existing Methods to Calculate Tile Quantities
1. Online Tile Calculators
● Web-based tools where users input room size and tile size
● Pros: Quick and easy, free, works on most devices
● Cons: May not work well with irregular room shapes or custom tile layouts
2. Mobile Apps
● Apps designed to help calculate tiles, sometimes with extra features
● Pros: Portable, often more features like cost estimates, user-friendly
● Cons: Some require internet, limited offline features
3. Spreadsheet Templates
● Editable files that calculate tile needs based on formulas
● Pros: Flexible and can do complex calculations, works offline
● Cons: Requires knowledge of spreadsheet software, and may need
manual adjustments
STAGE 3: GENERATION OF IDEAS
Several methods were considered to solve the problem:
1. Manual Calculations
● Pros: Cheap, easy to understand, doesn't need technology
● Cons: Slower and more error-prone
2. Mobile/Online Calculators
● Pros: Fast, often includes visuals or diagrams
● Cons: Needs a device and sometimes an internet connection
3. Consulting Professional Tilers
● Pros: Gives expert insight, considers real-world issues like cutting tiles
● Cons: Could cost money, results may vary depending on the person
4. Using Pre-Existing Blueprints
● Pros: Saves time and gives precise measurements
● Cons: Blueprints may not be available or up-to-date
STAGE 4: DEVELOPMENT OF CHOSEN IDEA
4.1 Chosen Solution
The manual calculation method was chosen. A 10% allowance for tile cutting
and breakage was added to ensure accuracy.
4.2 Why This Method?
● Simplicity: Anyone can use it with basic math
● Low Cost: Doesn’t require tools or technology
● Accuracy: Good for rectangular classrooms
● Understanding: Helps students apply math practically
4.3 Formula Used
Number of Tiles = (Classroom Area / Tile Area) + (10% Wastage)
4.4 Example Calculation
● Classroom Dimensions: 8 meters (length) × 6 meters (width)
● Classroom Area: 8 × 6 = 48 m²
● Tile Size: 0.5 m × 0.5 m = 0.25 m²
● Tiles Needed: 48 / 0.25 = 192 tiles
● Add 10% Wastage: 192 × 10% = 20 tiles
● Total Tiles Required: 192 + 20 = 212 tiles
STAGE 5: PRESENTATION OF RESULTS
Here is another example used to confirm understanding:
● Classroom Size: 4.4 m × 3.5 m
● Converted to cm: 440 cm × 350 cm
● Tile Size: 30 cm × 30 cm
Step 1:
Tiles along the length = 440 ÷ 30 = 14.67 → Round up to 15 tiles
Tiles along the width = 350 ÷ 30 = 11.67 → Round up to 12 tiles
Step 2:
Total tiles = 15 × 12 = 180 tiles
5. Results and Observations
1. Better Planning – Gave a clear number of tiles to buy
2. Budgeting Help – Helped estimate total cost
3. Practical Maths – Real-life application of geometry and division
4. Visualization – Tile layout could be sketched before buying
5. Teamwork – Everyone contributed and learned during the process
STAGE 6: EVALUATION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
6.1 Evaluation
The manual method, with the 10% wastage included, gave results that were both
useful and reliable. It helped understand how small calculations matter in big
projects like construction or renovation.
6.2 Challenges Faced
● Some classrooms weren’t perfect rectangles
● Minor errors in measurement caused slight miscalculations
● Tile cutting and breakage affected the total count
6.3 Recommendations
1. Use the same method in other rooms to get tile estimates
2. Try digital tools for odd-shaped rooms in the future
3. When possible, get advice from professional tilers for large-scale
renovations
