Table of contents
- 0. Review of College Algebra4h 45m
- 1. Measuring Angles40m
- 2. Trigonometric Functions on Right Triangles2h 5m
- 3. Unit Circle1h 19m
- 4. Graphing Trigonometric Functions1h 19m
- 5. Inverse Trigonometric Functions and Basic Trigonometric Equations1h 41m
- 6. Trigonometric Identities and More Equations2h 34m
- 7. Non-Right Triangles1h 38m
- 8. Vectors2h 25m
- 9. Polar Equations2h 5m
- 10. Parametric Equations1h 6m
- 11. Graphing Complex Numbers1h 7m
1. Measuring Angles
Angles in Standard Position
Problem 74
Textbook Question
(Modeling) Grade Resistance Solve each problem. See Example 3. A car traveling on a -3° downhill grade has a grade resistance of -145 lb. Determine the weight of the car to the nearest hundred pounds.
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that grade resistance (F) is related to the weight (W) of the car and the grade angle (θ) by the formula: \(F = W \sin(\theta)\), where \(\theta\) is the angle of the slope.
Identify the given values: grade resistance \(F = -145\) lb and grade angle \(\theta = -3^\circ\). The negative sign indicates downhill direction.
Rearrange the formula to solve for the weight \(W\): \(W = \frac{F}{\sin(\theta)}\).
Calculate \(\sin(-3^\circ)\) using a calculator or trigonometric tables, remembering that sine of a negative angle is negative.
Substitute the values of \(F\) and \(\sin(\theta)\) into the rearranged formula to find \(W\), then round the result to the nearest hundred pounds.
Verified video answer for a similar problem:This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above
Video duration:
3mPlay a video:
0 Comments
Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Grade Resistance
Grade resistance is the component of gravitational force acting along a slope, opposing or aiding motion depending on the grade's direction. It is calculated as the product of the vehicle's weight and the sine of the slope angle, representing the force needed to overcome or assisted by the incline.
Trigonometric Relationship in Inclined Planes
The sine function relates the angle of the slope to the ratio of the opposite side (grade resistance force) over the hypotenuse (weight of the car). Understanding this relationship allows us to connect the known grade resistance and slope angle to find the unknown weight.
Recommended video:
Introduction to Trigonometric Functions
Solving for Unknowns Using Algebra and Trigonometry
To find the car's weight, rearrange the grade resistance formula to isolate weight, then substitute the known values of grade resistance and slope angle. This process combines algebraic manipulation with trigonometric evaluation to solve for the unknown quantity.
Recommended video:
Solve Trig Equations Using Identity Substitutions
Related Videos
Related Practice
Textbook Question
Find two angles in the interval [0°, 360°) that satisfy each of the following. Round answers to the nearest degree.cos θ = 0.10452846
474
views
