Modeling Tides: When is the First High Tide and Low Tide?

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In summary, the conversation is discussing a trigonometry problem involving modeling the depth of a tide in a harbor. The equation provided is y=21-5cos(pi t)/6, where y is the water depth in feet and t is the time in hours. The problem asks for the timing and water depth of the first high tide and first low tide on a specific day, with t=0 representing 12:00 midnight. Through calculations, the first high tide is found to be at 6 am and 6 pm with a water depth of 26 feet, while the first low tide is at 12 am and 12 pm with a water depth of 16 feet.
  • #1
TonyC
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1 of 2 killer questions--Trig

suppose the depth of the tide in a certain harbor can be modeled by y=21-5cos(pi t)/6, where y is the water detph in feet and t is the time in hours. Consider a day in which t=0 represents 12:00 midnight. For that day, when are the first high tide and the first low tide and what is the water depth at each time?

I came up with:
High tide: 7 am, 16 feet; low tide 13 noon, 15 feet.

That is wrong...can anyone help? :confused:
 
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  • #2
[tex] \cos 0 = 1[/tex]
[tex] \cos \pi = -1[/tex]
------
EDIT:
Do not double post.
Viet Dao,
 
  • #3
It's really qouit simpel you acctuaelly want to know when cos(pi*t/6) equals 1 and -1 (max and min). After you have done this you only have to find y for the calculated values of t. The answeres I got this way where: high tide at 6AM and 6PM with 26 feet and low tide at midnigth and noon with 16 feet.
 
  • #4
The light is shining...thank you
:bugeye:
 

1. What is the purpose of "1 of 2 killer questions-Trig"?

The purpose of "1 of 2 killer questions-Trig" is to help identify the missing information needed to solve a trigonometry problem. It is one of two questions that, when answered correctly, can lead to the solution of a trigonometry problem.

2. How do I know which of the two killer questions to ask?

The first killer question, "What is the missing side length?", should be asked when the problem involves finding the length of a side in a right triangle. The second killer question, "What is the missing angle measure?", should be asked when the problem involves finding an angle in a right triangle.

3. What if the problem does not involve a right triangle?

If the problem does not involve a right triangle, the two killer questions may not be applicable. In this case, other trigonometric concepts and formulas may need to be used to solve the problem.

4. Can I use the killer questions for all types of trigonometry problems?

The two killer questions can only be used for right triangle trigonometry problems. Other types of trigonometry problems, such as those involving oblique triangles, may require different approaches to find the solution.

5. Is it important to practice using the killer questions?

Yes, it is important to practice using the killer questions to become familiar with them and improve problem-solving skills. With practice, identifying the correct killer question to ask will become easier and more natural.

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