SOLUTION: Find a function N(x) that will models a Norman arch that's 15 feet tall and 16fwet wide at the base

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Question 1097700: Find a function N(x) that will models a Norman arch that's 15 feet tall and 16fwet wide at the base
Answer by Edwin McCravy(20056) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!


That's the top half of an ellipse with the equation:

x%5E2%2Fb%5E2%2By%5E2%2Fa%5E2=1

where b=8 (the semi-minor axis, or half the 16 ft. base), 
and a=15, the semi-major axis, the 15 ft arch height.

x%5E2%2F8%5E2%2By%5E2%2F15%5E2%22%22=%22%221

Simplify and solve that for y, taking only the positive
square root, and you'll get:

y%22%22=%22%22expr%2815%2F8%29sqrt%2864-x%5E2%29

Edwin