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 θ\theta as a Function of xx

  1. Diagram: Draw a right triangle where:

    • The vertical leg is the altitude of the kite, h=30mh = 30 \, \text{m}.
    • The hypotenuse is the length of the string, s=60ms = 60 \, \text{m}.
    • The horizontal leg is the distance of the kite from the origin on the ground, xx, where the string is attached.
    • The angle θ\theta is between the hypotenuse (string) and the horizontal leg (ground).
  2. Expressing θ\theta as a function of xx: Using trigonometry, we have: sin(θ)=hs=30s\sin(\theta) = \frac{h}{s} = \frac{30}{s} Since s=60ms = 60 \, \text{m}, this simplifies to: sin(θ)=3060=12\sin(\theta) = \frac{30}{60} = \frac{1}{2}

    Then, using the right triangle relationships, we can also express: cos(θ)=xscos(θ)=x60\cos(\theta) = \frac{x}{s} \quad \Rightarrow \quad \cos(\theta) = \frac{x}{60}

Therefore, solving for θ\theta in terms of xx: θ=cos1(x60)\theta = \cos^{-1} \left( \frac{x}{60} \right)

Part (b): Finding the Value of xx at the Moment in Question

Since sin(θ)=12\sin(\theta) = \frac{1}{2}, θ=π6\theta = \frac{\pi}{6} radians. Using the cosine relationship:

cos(π6)=x60\cos\left(\frac{\pi}{6}\right) = \frac{x}{60}

Since cos(π6)=32\cos\left(\frac{\pi}{6}\right) = \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2}: 32=x60\frac{\sqrt{3}}{2} = \frac{x}{60}

Solving for xx: x=6032=30351.96mx = 60 \cdot \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2} = 30 \sqrt{3} \approx 51.96 \, \text{m}

Thus, the exact value of xx is: x=303mx = 30 \sqrt{3} \, \text{m}

Part (c): Finding the Value of dθdt\frac{d\theta}{dt}

To find dθdt\frac{d\theta}{dt}, we differentiate the expression cos(θ)=x60\cos(\theta) = \frac{x}{60} with respect to time tt: sin(θ)dθdt=160dxdt-\sin(\theta) \cdot \frac{d\theta}{dt} = \frac{1}{60} \cdot \frac{dx}{dt}

We know:

  • sin(θ)=12\sin(\theta) = \frac{1}{2}
  • dxdt=3m/s\frac{dx}{dt} = 3 \, \text{m/s}

Substituting these values: 12dθdt=1603-\frac{1}{2} \cdot \frac{d\theta}{dt} = \frac{1}{60} \cdot 3

Solving for dθdt\frac{d\theta}{dt}: dθdt=36012=330=110rad/s\frac{d\theta}{dt} = -\frac{3}{60 \cdot \frac{1}{2}} = -\frac{3}{30} = -\frac{1}{10} \, \text{rad/s}

Thus, the rate at which the angle θ\theta decreases is: dθdt=110rad/s\frac{d\theta}{dt} = -\frac{1}{10} \, \text{rad/s}


Summary of Answers:

  • (a) θ=cos1(x60)\theta = \cos^{-1} \left( \frac{x}{60} \right)
  • (b) x=303mx = 30 \sqrt{3} \, \text{m}
  • (c) dθdt=110rad/s\frac{d\theta}{dt} = -\frac{1}{10} \, \text{rad/s}

Would you like further clarification on any of these steps?


Follow-Up Questions:

  1. How would the result change if the kite's altitude was different?
  2. What would happen to dθdt\frac{d\theta}{dt} if the horizontal velocity of the kite changed?
  3. How can we interpret dθdt\frac{d\theta}{dt} physically in this scenario?
  4. What is the significance of the negative sign in dθdt\frac{d\theta}{dt}?
  5. 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.

Ask a new question for Free

By Image

Drop file here or Click Here to upload

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