Math Problem Statement

A toy wagon is pulled by exerting a force of 20 pounds on a handle that makes a 30° angle with the horizontal (see figure below). Find the work done in pulling the wagon 20 feet. (Round your answer to one decimal place.)

Solution

To calculate the work done, we use the formula for work:

W=Fdcos(θ)W = F \cdot d \cdot \cos(\theta)

Where:

  • WW is the work done,
  • FF is the force applied,
  • dd is the distance moved,
  • θ\theta is the angle between the force and the direction of movement, and
  • cos(θ)\cos(\theta) is the cosine of the angle.

In this case:

  • F=20F = 20 pounds,
  • d=20d = 20 feet,
  • θ=30\theta = 30^\circ.

First, calculate cos(30)\cos(30^\circ):

cos(30)=320.866\cos(30^\circ) = \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2} \approx 0.866

Now, substitute the values into the formula:

W=20200.866W = 20 \cdot 20 \cdot 0.866

Let's calculate this.

W=20200.866=346.4foot-poundsW = 20 \cdot 20 \cdot 0.866 = 346.4 \, \text{foot-pounds}

So, the work done in pulling the wagon 20 feet is approximately 346.4 foot-pounds.

Would you like more details, or do you have any questions?

Here are some related questions:

  1. What happens to the work done if the angle is increased to 45°?
  2. How would the work change if the force applied was doubled?
  3. Can you calculate the work done if the handle made a 0° angle (i.e., pulling horizontally)?
  4. What is the effect of increasing the distance to 30 feet on the work done?
  5. How would the result differ if the force was measured in Newtons instead of pounds?

Tip: When calculating work, the angle used must always be between the direction of the force and the direction of motion.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Work and Energy
Trigonometry
Vectors

Formulas

W = F * d * cos(θ)

Theorems

Work-Energy Theorem
Trigonometric Cosine Function

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12