SOLUTION: when the load is uniformly distributed horizontally, a suspension bridge cable hangs in a parabolic arc. if the bridge is 200 ft long, the towers 40 ft high and the cable 15 ft abo

Algebra ->  Quadratic-relations-and-conic-sections -> SOLUTION: when the load is uniformly distributed horizontally, a suspension bridge cable hangs in a parabolic arc. if the bridge is 200 ft long, the towers 40 ft high and the cable 15 ft abo      Log On


   

Question 1182707: when the load is uniformly distributed horizontally, a suspension bridge cable hangs in a parabolic arc. if the bridge is 200 ft long, the towers 40 ft high and the cable 15 ft above the floor of the bridge at the midpoint. find the equation of the cable using the midpoint origin.
Answer by greenestamps(13200) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!


Using the bridge midpoint as the origin, the cable being 15 feet above the bridge at the midpoint means the equation of the parabola is of the form

y=a%28x-0%29%5E2%2B15

To determine the coefficient a, use the fact that the top of one tower is 100 feet to the right and 40 feet above the origin:

40+=+a%28100-0%29%5E2%2B15

I leave it to you to finish from there....