Math Problem Statement
A kite glides horizontally at an altitude of 30 m while we unspool the string. Consequently, the angle made between the string and the horizon diminishes. We would like to determine the rate at which this angle decreases once 60 m of string has been unspooled, given that, at that instant, the kite‘s horizontal velocity is 3 m/s.
To solve this problem, let θ be the angle in radians made between the string and the horizontal, x the kite’s horizontal position in meters since being attached to the ground, and t the time in seconds.
We further suppose that the string is straight and taut.
(a) Sketch a diagram of this question and use it to express θ as a function of x .
θ= Preview Change entry mode rad
(b) What is the value of x at the moment in question? Give the exact value.
x= Preview Change entry mode m
(c) What is the value of dθdt at the same moment? Give the exact value, paying attention to the sign.
dθdt= Preview Change entry mode rad/s
Solution
To solve this problem, let's go through each part step by step.
Part (a): Diagram and Expressing as a Function of
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Diagram: Draw a right triangle where:
- The vertical leg is the altitude of the kite, .
- The hypotenuse is the length of the string, .
- The horizontal leg is the distance of the kite from the origin on the ground, , where the string is attached.
- The angle is between the hypotenuse (string) and the horizontal leg (ground).
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Expressing as a function of : Using trigonometry, we have: Since , this simplifies to:
Then, using the right triangle relationships, we can also express:
Therefore, solving for in terms of :
Part (b): Finding the Value of at the Moment in Question
Since , radians. Using the cosine relationship:
Since :
Solving for :
Thus, the exact value of is:
Part (c): Finding the Value of
To find , we differentiate the expression with respect to time :
We know:
Substituting these values:
Solving for :
Thus, the rate at which the angle decreases is:
Summary of Answers:
- (a)
- (b)
- (c)
Would you like further clarification on any of these steps?
Follow-Up Questions:
- How would the result change if the kite's altitude was different?
- What would happen to if the horizontal velocity of the kite changed?
- How can we interpret physically in this scenario?
- What is the significance of the negative sign in ?
- How would you find the rate of change of the string length with respect to time?
Tip:
When analyzing trigonometric relationships in moving objects, look for constants and use them to simplify differentiation tasks.
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Math Problem Analysis
Mathematical Concepts
Trigonometry
Related Rates
Differentiation
Formulas
cos(θ) = x / s
dθ/dt = - (1 / (s * sin(θ))) * (dx/dt)
Theorems
Pythagorean Theorem
Trigonometric Ratios
Suitable Grade Level
Grades 11-12
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