Calculating Water Level Rise in Trapezoid Trough

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the rate of water level rise in a trapezoidal trough measuring 10m in length, with a cross-section of an isosceles trapezoid that is 30cm wide at the bottom, 80cm wide at the top, and 50cm high. The water is being filled at a rate of 0.2m³/min. The key equation used is the area of the trapezoid, A = 0.5(b1 + b2), which is essential for determining the relationship between the volume of water and the height of the water level. The solution was successfully derived by the participant despite initial challenges with geometry.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of trapezoidal geometry and area calculation
  • Basic principles of volume flow rates
  • Knowledge of related rates in calculus
  • Familiarity with unit conversions (e.g., cubic meters to liters)
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the application of related rates in calculus problems
  • Learn about the geometric properties of trapezoids
  • Explore fluid dynamics principles related to flow rates
  • Practice solving similar problems involving volume and height in various shapes
USEFUL FOR

Students in mathematics or engineering fields, particularly those tackling calculus problems involving related rates and geometric shapes, will benefit from this discussion.

rocomath
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Homework Statement


A water trough is 10m long and a cross-section has a shape of an isosceles trapezoid that is 30cm wide at the bottom, 80cm wide at the top, and has a height of 50cm. If the bottom of the trough is being filled with water at the rate of .2m^3/min, how fast is the water level rising when the water is 30cm deep?


Homework Equations


A (trapezoid) = .5(b1+b2)


The Attempt at a Solution


http://img218.imageshack.us/img218/5321/22806877ce9.jpg
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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nvm i got it, my geometry isn't that great but i pulled through!
 

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