/*! This file is auto-generated */ .wp-block-button__link{color:#fff;background-color:#32373c;border-radius:9999px;box-shadow:none;text-decoration:none;padding:calc(.667em + 2px) calc(1.333em + 2px);font-size:1.125em}.wp-block-file__button{background:#32373c;color:#fff;text-decoration:none} Problem 35 Length of a Catenary Electrical ... [FREE SOLUTION] | 91Ó°ÊÓ

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Length of a Catenary Electrical wires suspended between two towers form a catenary (see figure) modeled by the equation \(y=20 \cosh \frac{x}{20}, \quad-20 \leq x \leq 20\) where \(x\) and \(y\) are measured in meters. The towers are 40 meters apart. Find the length of the suspended cable.

Short Answer

Expert verified
The length of the suspended cable is approximately 94.02 meters.

Step by step solution

01

Formula Selection

In order to find the length of the cable, the formula for the arc length of a function in Cartesian coordinates should be used, which is given by \[ L = \int{a}^{b} \sqrt{1 + [f'(x)]^2} dx\] where \(a\) and \(b\) are the limits of the integral, \(f'(x)\) is the derivative of the function and \(dx\) is the differential element.
02

Calculating the derivative

To calculate the derivative of the given function, use the formula \(f'(x) = \sinh(x/20)\). The derivative of \(f(x) = 20 \cosh(x/20)\) is \(f'(x) = \sinh(x/20)\).
03

Solving the Integral

Insert the derivative into the formula from step 1 and solve the integral. \[L = \int{-20}^{20} \sqrt{1 + [\sinh(x/20)]^2} dx \] This integral can be simplified using the identity \( \cosh^2(x) - \sinh^2(x) = 1 \). This gives \[ L = \int{-20}^{20} \cosh(x/20) dx = [20 \sinh(x/20)]_{-20}^{20}\] Evaluating this gives \(L = 80 \sinh(1) = 80 \times 1.1752 = 94.02\) meters.

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Hyperbolic Functions
Hyperbolic functions are analogs of trigonometric functions but for hyperbolas rather than circles. They include sineh (\( \sinh \)), cosineh (\( \cosh \)), and others like tanh, sech, and so on. One key aspect of hyperbolic functions is their relationship through identities, similar to trigonometric identities.
  • The function \( \sinh(x) = \frac{e^{x} - e^{-x}}{2} \) resembles the sine function but relates to hyperbolas.
  • Cosh function (\( \cosh(x) \)) is given by \( \cosh(x) = \frac{e^{x} + e^{-x}}{2} \).
In this problem, \( y = 20 \cosh\left(\frac{x}{20}\right) \) describes the curve of the catenary, illustrating how hyperbolic functions naturally describe shapes of suspended cables. Understanding these functions helps in recognizing patterns and properties utilized in solving physical problems like the catenary.
Derivatives
Derivatives represent the rate of change of a function. In terms of geometry, it can represent the slope of the tangent to a curve at any point. Calculating derivatives of hyperbolic functions is analogous to that of trigonometric ones.
  • The derivative of \( \sinh(x) \) is \( \cosh(x) \).
  • Conversely, the derivative of \( \cosh(x) \) is \( \sinh(x) \).
For the catenary function \( y = 20 \cosh\left(\frac{x}{20}\right) \), the derivative is \( \sinh\left(\frac{x}{20}\right) \). This step is crucial to find the arc length as described in the next sections. This derivative calculation is essential for applying the arc length formula.
Integrals
Integrals are used to find areas under curves, among other applications. In this context, they help calculate the total length along a curve, like the catenary. An integral can transform a derivative back to a function, or it may sum areas or lengths.
  • To compute the arc length of a curve, one integrates an expression formed using the derivative of the function.
  • In this specific exercise, the integral \( \int_{-20}^{20} \cosh\left(\frac{x}{20}\right) \, dx \) was solved, representing the curve's total length.
Understanding how to set up and solve integrals is vital in problems like this. They connect a function's local behavior, indicated by its derivatives, to global measures like the total curve length.
Arc Length Formula
The arc length formula is a tool for finding the length of a curve over an interval. This concept is pivotal in calculating real-world lengths of irregular forms, like hanging cables.

The formula is given by \[ L = \int_{a}^{b} \sqrt{1 + [f'(x)]^2} \, dx \]where:
  • \( [f'(x)]^2 \) is the square of the function's derivative, important for accounting for the curve's slope.
  • The limits \( a \) and \( b \) represent the endpoints of the interval along the x-axis for the curve.
In the given problem, the expression inside the integral simplifies due to hyperbolic identities, allowing us to evaluate the length easily. This general approach underscores the importance of calculus for solving such enigma-like geometry problems.

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Modeling Data A draftsman is asked to determine the amount of material required to produce a machine part (see figure in first column). The diameters \(d\) of the part at equally spaced points \(x\) are listed in the table. The measurements are listed in centimeters. \begin{tabular}{|c|c|c|c|c|c|c|} \hline\(x\) & 0 & 1 & 2 & 3 & 4 & 5 \\ \hline\(d\) & \(4.2\) & \(3.8\) & \(4.2\) & \(4.7\) & \(5.2\) & \(5.7\) \\ \hline \end{tabular} \begin{tabular}{|c|c|c|c|c|c|} \hline\(x\) & 6 & 7 & 8 & 9 & 10 \\ \hline\(d\) & \(5.8\) & \(5.4\) & \(4.9\) & \(4.4\) & \(4.6\) \\ \hline \end{tabular} (a) Use these data with Simpson's Rule to approximate the volume of the part. (b) Use the regression capabilities of a graphing utility to find a fourth- degree polynomial through the points representing the radius of the solid. Plot the data and graph the model. (c) Use a graphing utility to approximate the definite integral yielding the volume of the part. Compare the result with the answer to part (a).

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