Calculating Length Along X-Axis for a Rotating Line

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the length along the x-axis for a rotating line, specifically using the formula \( x = 10 \, mm \cdot \cos(\angle{a}) \). The user seeks to determine the horizontal distance from the pivot point to the endpoint of the line as it rotates. The relationship is derived from trigonometric principles, particularly the cosine function in a right triangle, where the line acts as the hypotenuse. The user confirms that the length along the x-axis is directly proportional to the cosine of the angle formed with the x-axis.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic trigonometric functions (sine, cosine, tangent)
  • Familiarity with right triangle properties
  • Knowledge of angles in degrees or radians
  • Basic algebra for manipulating equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the application of trigonometric functions in physics, particularly in rotational motion
  • Explore the derivation of trigonometric identities and their proofs
  • Learn about the Taylor Series and its applications in approximating functions
  • Investigate graphical representations of trigonometric functions and their transformations
USEFUL FOR

Students in mathematics or physics, engineers working with rotational dynamics, and anyone interested in applying trigonometry to real-world problems involving angles and distances.

karen_lorr
Messages
63
Reaction score
0
Hi

(I hope this is the right place to post this - sorry if it's not)

Say I have a line (in the graphic is shown a 10mm but it could be any length) and it rotates around a point at one end.

What is the formula to get the length along the x-axis directly under the other end of the line. In the graphic that would be the distance between points a and x.

Thanks

K

The image is not showing so here is the link the my Hotmail onedrive file
https://1drv.ms/i/s!AlXOOGaTv36QeRu1RrJucYZFTB0

https://1drv.ms/i/s!AlXOOGaTv36QeRu1RrJucYZFTB0

EDIT - I have tried using a Taylor Series but it's been a long time since I was a school :-)
It's simple on a calculator with the cosine of the angle and the line as a hypotenous but I am trying to get the maths formula.
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
It is ##x = 10 \, mm \cdot \cos (\angle{a})##.
In a right triangle ##\cos (a) = \frac{adjacent}{hypotenuse} \; , \; sin (a) = \frac{opposite}{hypotenuse}## and ##tan (a) = \frac{opposite}{adjacent}.##
 
for angle ##a## made by line with x axis,length along x-axis will be ##10\ cos(a)##
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 32 ·
2
Replies
32
Views
3K
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 49 ·
2
Replies
49
Views
5K