SOLUTION: To accommodate the road beneath, the arch is 100 feet wide at its base, 20 feet high in the center, and parabolic in shape. -The arch can be described by y=kx(x-100), if the orig

Algebra ->  Quadratic Equations and Parabolas -> SOLUTION: To accommodate the road beneath, the arch is 100 feet wide at its base, 20 feet high in the center, and parabolic in shape. -The arch can be described by y=kx(x-100), if the orig      Log On


   

Question 132846: To accommodate the road beneath, the arch is 100 feet wide at its base, 20 feet high in the center, and parabolic in shape.
-The arch can be described by y=kx(x-100), if the origin is placed at the left end of the arch. Find the value of the coefficient k that makes the equation fit the arch.
-Is it possible to move a rectangular object that is 40 feet wide and 16.5 feet high (a wide trailer, for example) through the opening? Explain.
Answer by scott8148(6628) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
at the middle of the arch, x=50 and y=20

20=50k(50-100) __ 20=50k(-50) __ dividing by -2500 __ -.008=k

a 40 ft wide object would pass through between x=30 and x=70
__ the clearance is y=(-.008)30(-70) __ y=16.8
__ the object fits through