College of Science and Mathematics

Thesis (BS Applied Mathematics) -- University of the Philippines Mindanao, 2003

This paper is a study that developed a mathematical model for estimating the starch yield of Metroxylon sagu Rottb. Several studies have attempted to estimate the starch content of the sago trunk. However, there has been not much access in inculcating the different factors into a single equation. By developing a model, a better estimate is achieved by inspecting the possible factors that affect the starch yield. Then translate the relationship of these factors in an equation. By examining the trunk, its components were decomposed using the idea of materials balance. The volume of the trunk was decomposed into the sum of the volumes of the pith and bark. The pith is further decomposed into the sum of the volumes of the fiber, water and starch. By examining these components, their relationships were put into equations and by mathematical deduction, it arrived into the following equation, Vs = (1-k) [πh (r1 ? t)2] - Vw where, r1 = radius of the trunk h = height of the trunk Vw =volume of the water t = thickness of the bark k = volume of fiber per unit volume of pith.