Two cars on a rotating observation wheel

Two cars on a rotating observation wheel

IP 3
8 marks

The height, \(h\) metres, of car \(A\) on an observation wheel \(t\) minutes after it is at the lowest point is modelled by \(h=30-25\cos\left(\dfrac{\pi t}{10}\right)\). Car \(B\) is a quarter of a revolution behind car \(A\). Assume the wheel turns at a constant rate.

  1. Find the time for one revolution, and the fraction of each revolution for which car \(A\) is more than \(42.5\) m above the ground.[3]
  2. Show that the height of car \(B\) is \(30-25\sin\left(\dfrac{\pi t}{10}\right)\).[2]
  3. Find the times in \(0\le t\le 20\) at which the two cars are at the same height, and explain why this happens twice per revolution.[3]

Solution:

Solution locked

680+ questions here come with free worked solutions. A free account saves your questions and progress; this one needs tuition enrolment.

Create a free account to practise similar questions.

Answer:(a) \(20\) min; \(\dfrac{1}{3}\) (c) \(t=2.5\) and \(t=12.5\)

Need help? Join our IP Math tuition programme.

Learn more