SOLUTION: To beat at a rate of 200 beats per minute, a dragonfly's wing must be .36 inches. Using this data, find the constant for the inverse variation relating the length of an insect's wi

Algebra ->  Test -> SOLUTION: To beat at a rate of 200 beats per minute, a dragonfly's wing must be .36 inches. Using this data, find the constant for the inverse variation relating the length of an insect's wi      Log On


   

Question 697328: To beat at a rate of 200 beats per minute, a dragonfly's wing must be .36 inches. Using this data, find the constant for the inverse variation relating the length of an insect's wings to the beats per minute. B. Using the constant you found in A, state whether a dragonfly with a wingspan of 1.2 inches will be able to stay aloft if his wings beat 50 times per second. Using complete sentences, explain your answer. I really don't understand these two questions, your help will be highly appreciated!!! Thanks!
Answer by josmiceli(19441) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
They are basically saying that the dragonfly's wing will beat
faster the shorter it is made.
Let +s+ = speed of the wing in beats / min
Let +w+ = the length of the wing in inches
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They are say ing that +s+=+k%2A%281%2Fw%29+ where +k+
is the constant of inverse variation.
given:
+200+=+k%2A%281%2F.36%29+
+k+=+.36%2A200+
+k+=+72+
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It sounds like the speed of the beating has to be the given
minimum, or the dragonfly cannot fly.
given:
+s+=+k%2A%281%2Fw%29+
+s+=+72%2A%281%2F1.2%29+
+s+=+60+ beats/sec
+50+ beats/sec is slower that this, so the dragonfly
will not stay aloft beating at this speed