Ok guys, here's the question:
Two corridors whose widths are 64 units and 27 units respectively meet at a right angle. Calculate the length l of the longest rigid rod that can pass from one corridor to the other, assuming the rod remains parallel to the floor.
Picture
First, what I've done is added that dotted line to form a larger triangle ... making the sides (64+x) and (27+y) respectively.
Here's how I think I need to solve it: I need to develop a function tying this triangle together. Once I've got that I'm laughing. I'll then be able to take the derivative and set it equal to zero ... to find the MAX and MIN points ... then I'll have my maximum. The function will either a) have to be an upside-down parabola or b) have a degree higher than 3.
Any suggestions as to how to tie theta into the big picture? I think once I get on the right track to developing that function formula I'll be set but that's what I'm having a majorly hard time with. Any help and/or suggestions would be greatly appreciated ... thank you.
Two corridors whose widths are 64 units and 27 units respectively meet at a right angle. Calculate the length l of the longest rigid rod that can pass from one corridor to the other, assuming the rod remains parallel to the floor.
Picture
First, what I've done is added that dotted line to form a larger triangle ... making the sides (64+x) and (27+y) respectively.
Here's how I think I need to solve it: I need to develop a function tying this triangle together. Once I've got that I'm laughing. I'll then be able to take the derivative and set it equal to zero ... to find the MAX and MIN points ... then I'll have my maximum. The function will either a) have to be an upside-down parabola or b) have a degree higher than 3.
Any suggestions as to how to tie theta into the big picture? I think once I get on the right track to developing that function formula I'll be set but that's what I'm having a majorly hard time with. Any help and/or suggestions would be greatly appreciated ... thank you.