The discussion centers on calculating the rate at which the angle between the string of a kite and the horizontal decreases when 200 ft of string is let out. The kite is positioned 100 ft above the ground and moves horizontally at a speed of 8 ft/s. The Pythagorean theorem was initially used to find the horizontal distance, approximately 173.21 ft, but the correct approach involves using the sine function to relate the height of the kite to the angle and the length of the string.
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The Pythagorean theorem doesn't tell you anything about the angle. Since the height is opposite the angle the line makes with the horizontal on the ground, and the length of the string is the hypotenuse, use the definition of sine.dethnode said:Homework Statement
A kite 100 ft above the ground moves horizontally at a speed of 8 ft/s. At what rate is the angle between the string and the horizontal decreasing when 200 ft of string has been let out?
Homework Equations
The Attempt at a Solution
I have done the pythagreon therom and found the horizontal to be 173.2050808
Aside from that i am lost can someone help get me started?