Decreasing size of person's shadow as they walk toward a lamp

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the rate at which a man's shadow decreases as he walks towards a lamp. The man is 6 feet tall and moves at a velocity of 5 feet per second towards a lamp positioned 15 feet above the ground. To solve this problem, participants suggest using dynamic equations and establishing a relationship between the man's position and the length of his shadow through geometric principles.

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  • Study the concept of related rates in calculus
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Akash47
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Member advised that effort must be shown at a solution attempt.

Homework Statement


If a man of height 6ft moves with 5ft/sec velocity towards a lamp hanging at 15ft height, then at what rate his shadow will decrease?

Homework Equations


Not sure but dynamic equations can help.

The Attempt at a Solution


I have no idea about how I can approach.So I want some ideas to reach the solution.
 
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Akash47 said:

Homework Statement


If a man of height 6ft moves with 5ft/sec velocity towards a lamp hanging at 15ft height, then at what rate his shadow will decrease?

Homework Equations


Not sure but dynamic equations can help.

3. The attempt at a
Evolution

I have no idea about how I can approach.So I want some ideas to reach the solution.
A drawing will help. Can you find the length of the shadow (s) in terms of the position of the man (x), and the heights H and h?

upload_2018-11-6_15-1-44.png
 

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  • upload_2018-11-6_15-1-44.png
    upload_2018-11-6_15-1-44.png
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Put the lamp at X=0, Y=15.
The position of the man will be X.
 

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