Math Is Fun Forum

  Discussion about math, puzzles, games and fun.   Useful symbols: ÷ × ½ √ ∞ ≠ ≤ ≥ ≈ ⇒ ± ∈ Δ θ ∴ ∑ ∫ • π ƒ -¹ ² ³ °

You are not logged in.

#1 Puzzles and Games » Simple Law of Cosines problem » 2017-09-26 00:41:17

Xarzu
Replies: 1

Huge suspension bridges are build with the earth's roundness in mind.  The two towers are plumb line straight up and down and yet, because of their colossal size, they are a bit further apart at their tops than they are at their base.  So, how can we calculate what this difference would be?

Here is the input data:

If we know the earth's radius; the location of the base of the towers above sea level; The distance (from the center of each base of the tower) between the bases; and the height of the tower, how would we calculate the distance from the tops of the towers.

I made this video to explain what I am talking about but I want to have the mathematical formula to predict the distance differences between the tops of the towers compared to the base:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8NuNga3Bpns

Board footer

Powered by FluxBB