Trigonometric Equation problem

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a trigonometric equation problem related to the height of the hour hand of a clock on a paddle steamer. The original poster describes the setup, including the length of the hour hand and its position at a specific time, seeking to model the height above the floor using a trigonometric function.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to determine the correct form of a trigonometric equation to model the height of the hour hand, considering the periodic nature of the motion and the height at specific times. Some participants suggest calculating the average height based on known positions of the hour hand, while others encourage visualizing the problem through drawing triangles.

Discussion Status

The discussion has seen participants exploring different aspects of the problem, including the identification of the average height and the form of the trigonometric function. While one participant claims to have reached an equation with assistance, the overall conversation reflects a collaborative effort to clarify concepts and approaches without a definitive consensus on the solution.

Contextual Notes

The original poster notes the absence of an explicit equation and the reliance on an image for context, which may limit the information available for constructing the model. There is also an indication of a potential misunderstanding regarding the time points relevant to the height calculations.

XxDoiraxX
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I'm stuck on a question from my calculus homework...T_T
Here's the question...
There is a large clock at the front of the lounge on the paddle steamer. The hour hand is 28 cm long and takes 12 hours to rotate once. At 2 o'clock the tip of the hour hand is 195 cm above the floor.

There's no equation given instead there's an image... (please view attachment for the image given)

The question is write a trigonometric equation that will model the height of the top of the hour hand above the floor. Where h = the height above the floor in centimetres, t = time since 12 O'clock in hours and the angel is measured in radians.

What I do know is that it must either be a cos or sin graph...
So must be in the form of h=A sinB(t+c)+D or h=A cosB (t+C)+D

I think the period is 12 hours...therefore if it is 12 hours the frequency must be pi divided by 6.

I don't understand how to work out the rest though...

please help?
 

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Well, take what you know and apply it. First, you need to figure out how high the hand is at 3 o clock. That will give you the average height of the graph... and then work from there. I suggest first drawing a few triangles of what you know.
 
Char. Limit said:
Well, take what you know and apply it. First, you need to figure out how high the hand is at 3 o clock. That will give you the average height of the graph... and then work from there. I suggest first drawing a few triangles of what you know.

At 3 O'clock?? I don't understand
 
It's okay now ^^
I understand the question now :P
the equation is h=28sin(pi/6)t +170.8
got help from a friend xD
 

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