Math Is Fun Forum

sologuitar

Member

Registered: 2022-09-19

Posts: 467

Find Expression for Distance d

A hot-air balloon headed due east at a speed of 15 miles per hour and at a constant altitude of 100 feet passes directly over an intersection. Find an expression for the balloon's distance d (measured in feet) from the intersection t minutes later.

Let me see.

60 minutes = 1 hour

Let mph = miles per hour

mph = 15/60 = 1/4.

Distance = (rate)(time) or D = rt.

D = (1/4)t

Let d(t) = Distance apart d (in miles) at the end of t hours.

One mile = 5,280 feet.

So, (1/4)(5,280) = 1320 feet.

Using a right triangle, I came up with the following expression:

d(t) = sqrt{(100)^2 + (1320)^2}.

You say,

Jai Ganesh

Administrator

Registered: 2005-06-28

Posts: 46,317

Re: Find Expression for Distance d

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It appears to me that if one wants to make progress in mathematics, one should study the masters and not the pupils. - Niels Henrik Abel.

Nothing is better than reading and gaining more and more knowledge - Stephen William Hawking.

sologuitar

Member

Registered: 2022-09-19

Posts: 467

Re: Find Expression for Distance d

Thank you. You know, I have a hard time with applications requesting a formula to solve the problem. When a formula or equation is provided no trouble at all.