The shape of the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri, is a catenary curve, which closely resembles a parabola. The following function: y= -2/315 x^2 + 4x models the shape of the arch in feet.
i did the graph ;; but what would be the maximum height of the arch?
2007-01-21 03:21:44 · 3 answers · asked by xolifes2sh0rtox 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Mathematics
To calculate the maximum height, use the vertex formula:
-b
----
2 a
Where:
a = -2/315
b = 4
Here goes:
-4
----
-2/315
x = 315 units.
Now substitute x = 315 into the equation and solve for y:
y = -2/315 (315)^2 + 4 (316)
y = -2/315 (999225) + 1260
y = -630 + 1260
y = 630 units.
I checked this answer with my graphing calculator.
You can do the same by using the maximum function.
Good luck in your studies.
2007-01-21 03:32:59 · answer #1 · answered by Mitch 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you did the graph right, you would see that the graph points down to infinity and the vertex is the maximum point.
2007-01-21 03:27:56 · answer #2 · answered by Modus Operandi 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
about 3 feet
2007-01-21 03:29:41 · answer #3 · answered by jason d 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋