Projectile Motion launch angles

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SUMMARY

The problem involves determining the launch angle of a projectile where its maximum height is four times its horizontal range. The equations used include the maximum height formula, hmax = (V02sin2θ)/(2g), and the range formula, R = (V02sin2θ)/g. The initial calculations suggested an angle of 86 degrees, but the correct answer is 38.66 degrees, indicating a misinterpretation of the problem statement. The discrepancy was confirmed by the tutor, who noted a change in the problem statement that was not reflected in the answer key.

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Jon.G
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Homework Statement



A projectile is fired in such a way that its maximum height is a factor of 4 times its
horizontal range. Find the launch angle in degrees

Homework Equations


h_{max}=\frac{V^{2}_{0}sin^{2}\theta}{2g}<br /> Range=\frac{V^{2}_{0}sin2\theta}{g}

The Attempt at a Solution



I set h=4R giving
sin^{2}(\theta)=8sin(2\theta);
sin^{2}(\theta)=16sin(\theta)cos(\theta);
sin(\theta)=16cos(\theta);
tan(\theta)=16
\theta=86^{o}
but the answer is apparently 38.66 degrees.

So I assumed that I had misinterpreted the question, and in fact R=4h, however doing this I got an angle of 45 degrees.
I'm not sure where I've gone wrong
 
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Hi Jon.G. Welcome to Physics Forums.

Given the problem statement as it stands your interpretation and calculations look fine to me (using a bit more precision, θ = 86.42°). Are you quoting the problem statement exactly? It could be that they changed the problem statement slightly, to make it a "new" question, but failed to change the answer key.
 
I emailed my tutor and that is exactly what happened :)
 

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