What is the path of the point (x,y) as the painting falls?

  • Thread starter darshanpatel
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Ellipse
In summary, the conversation discusses finding an equation for the path of a point (x,y) as a painting falls from a height of 8 feet. The provided diagram and calculations are questioned, with the conclusion that the given picture is incorrect and the problem is not clearly stated.
  • #1
darshanpatel
139
0

Homework Statement



An art museum worker leaves an 8-foot-tall painting leaning against a wall. Later, the top of that painting slides down the wall, and the painting falls to the floor. Use the diagram to find an equation of the path of the point (x,y) as the painting falls.

Homework Equations



-None-

The Attempt at a Solution



All work is shown in the picture, but I am not sure if it is right or wrong...

http://tinypic.com/r/1tq2pf/5

It shows (0,y), (0,x) and shows that the painting is 6ft tall plus 2ft tall...

I still don't quite understand why and how the answer comes down to this...
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Your picture is impossible. The point (2,6) cannot possibly be on the ladder as you have pictured. The little upper triangle has both hypotenuse = 2 and leg = 2 as you have the picture drawn.

You haven't stated the problem clearly either. What does (x,y) represent in the first place?
 

1. What is an ellipse?

An ellipse is a type of geometric shape that resembles a flattened circle. It is defined as the set of all points in a plane such that the sum of the distances from two fixed points, called the foci, is constant.

2. How do you find the center of an ellipse?

The center of an ellipse can be found by determining the midpoint between the two foci. This point is equidistant from both foci and serves as the center of the ellipse.

3. Can an ellipse have a negative radius?

No, an ellipse cannot have a negative radius. The radius of an ellipse is always positive and is defined as half of the major axis length. If the major axis is extended in the opposite direction, it does not change the shape of the ellipse.

4. How many axes does an ellipse have?

An ellipse has two axes - the major axis and the minor axis. The major axis is the longest diameter of the ellipse, while the minor axis is the shortest diameter.

5. What is the equation for an ellipse?

The standard equation for an ellipse is (x-h)^2/a^2 + (y-k)^2/b^2 = 1, where (h,k) represents the center of the ellipse and a and b represent half of the major and minor axis lengths, respectively.

Similar threads

What is the height of the parabolic arch at a point 1 foot in from the base?
    • Precalculus Mathematics Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
4K
Mapping Circle to Ellipse with Dilation?
    • Precalculus Mathematics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
2K
Finding the Parameters for the Curve y=asin(x-b)+c
    • Precalculus Mathematics Homework Help
Replies
11
Views
3K
A particle moving in a parabolic path in the ##x-y## plane
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
2
Replies
40
Views
881
Express the length y of the building as a function of the width x
    • Precalculus Mathematics Homework Help
Replies
9
Views
11K
Symmetry Problem Homework: Find Point of Ellipses
    • Precalculus Mathematics Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
2K
Conservation of energy in x vs y direction
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
997
Conic section problem (ellipse)
    • Precalculus Mathematics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
2K
Point of intersection between a parabola and a circle
    • Precalculus Mathematics Homework Help
Replies
27
Views
8K
Graph the Cartesian equation: x = 2 sin t, y = 4 cos t
    • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
7K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top