MODERATE EXERCISES-Modelling with Trigonometric Functions

(3) A child is swinging on a garden swing with supporting rope lengths of 3.5 m. When the swing angle (with respect to the vertical) is 30^o, how high is the child compared with her lowest position?

SOLUTION:

Solve for x:



	          adjacent 
	cos  = ------------
	          hypotenuse

	           y
	cos 30o = ---
		  3.5  


	y = 3.5cos 30o = 3.03

	x = 3.5 - y = 3.5 - 3.03 = 0.47 

	x = 0.47 m