Math Problem Statement

The profile of the cables on a suspension bridge may be modeled by a parabola. The central span of the bridge is 1260 m long and 139 m high. The parabola y equals 0.00035 x squared gives a good fit to the shape of the​ cables, where StartAbsoluteValue x EndAbsoluteValue less than or equals 630​, and x and y are measured in meters. Approximate the length of the cables that stretch between the tops of the two towers. 1260 m 139 m y x Question content area bottom Part 1 The length of the cables is approximately    enter your response here meters. ​(Round to the nearest whole​ number.)

Solution

The length of the cables can be found by calculating the arc length of the parabola between the two towers, which is modeled by the equation y=0.00035x2y = 0.00035x^2, where x630|x| \leq 630. The formula for the arc length of a function y=f(x)y = f(x) over an interval [a,b][a, b] is:

L=ab1+(dydx)2dxL = \int_a^b \sqrt{1 + \left( \frac{dy}{dx} \right)^2} \, dx

Here, dydx\frac{dy}{dx} is the derivative of y=0.00035x2y = 0.00035x^2, so we first compute the derivative:

dydx=2(0.00035)x=0.0007x\frac{dy}{dx} = 2(0.00035)x = 0.0007x

Now, we need to plug this into the arc length formula. We are computing the arc length from x=630x = -630 to x=630x = 630, so the total arc length LL is:

L=6306301+(0.0007x)2dxL = \int_{-630}^{630} \sqrt{1 + (0.0007x)^2} \, dx

Let's calculate this integral to find the approximate length of the cables.The approximate length of the cables stretching between the tops of the two towers is 1300 meters (rounded to the nearest whole number).

Would you like further details or explanations on how this was calculated?

Here are five related questions you might find interesting:

  1. How is the arc length formula derived from calculus?
  2. What other shapes can suspension bridge cables follow, aside from parabolas?
  3. Can the arc length formula be applied to 3D curves?
  4. What are practical uses of arc length calculations in engineering?
  5. How would the cable length change if the span or height of the bridge changed?

Tip: When calculating the arc length of a curve, always check if symmetry can simplify the computation.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Calculus
Arc Length
Parabolas

Formulas

Arc length formula: L = ∫_a^b √(1 + (dy/dx)^2) dx
Derivative of y = 0.00035x^2: dy/dx = 0.0007x

Theorems

Arc Length Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 11-12 (Advanced High School or Early College)