Help with related rates problem

  • Thread starter Thread starter bl4ke360
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Related rates
Click For Summary
A 16-ft ladder is sliding down a wall at 4 ft/sec, and the problem requires finding the velocity of the top of the ladder when the bottom is 5 ft from the wall. The discussion revolves around applying related rates to solve the problem, with uncertainty about incorporating time (t=s) and determining the correct derivatives (dx/dt or dy/dt). The poster references a similar problem from their notes but acknowledges key differences that complicate the solution. The urgency of the homework deadline adds pressure for a timely response. The thread concludes with the poster expressing gratitude for any assistance received.
bl4ke360
Messages
19
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



A 16-ft ladder is sliding down a wall at a rate of 4 ft/sec. Find the velocity of the top of the ladder at t=s if the bottom is 5ft from the wall at t=0.

Homework Equations



It's a related rates problem.
Not sure how I'm supposed to incorporate t=s into the problem, or if I'm supposed to solve for dx/dt or dy/dt.
Or if I'm even on the right track.

The Attempt at a Solution



2cei0xx.jpg
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
Thought I would add, this is a similar problem that was in my notes, but there are differences between the two problems such as the direction the rate of the ladder is sliding and I have to find it at t=s.

16bmzie.jpg
 
This is due in a few hours I hope I get a response by then.
 
Just turned it in, thanks for the help everybody :)
 
Question: A clock's minute hand has length 4 and its hour hand has length 3. What is the distance between the tips at the moment when it is increasing most rapidly?(Putnam Exam Question) Answer: Making assumption that both the hands moves at constant angular velocities, the answer is ## \sqrt{7} .## But don't you think this assumption is somewhat doubtful and wrong?

Similar threads

  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
8K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
4K
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
6K
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 30 ·
2
Replies
30
Views
4K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K