The trunk of a tree makes a 60° angle with the ground. A ladder leans against the trunk on the 60°-side. When the top of the ladder is 3 feet from the trunk's base, the bottom end is 12 feet from the base. Let t and b measure the respective distances (in feet) from the base of the trunk to the top and bottom ends of the ladder.

Elementary Geometry For College Students, 7e
7th Edition
ISBN:9781337614085
Author:Alexander, Daniel C.; Koeberlein, Geralyn M.
Publisher:Alexander, Daniel C.; Koeberlein, Geralyn M.
Chapter11: Introduction To Trigonometry
Section11.4: Applications With Acute Triangles
Problem 39E
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The trunk of a tree makes a
60° angle with the ground. A ladder leans against the trunk on the 60°-side.
When the top of the ladder is 3 feet from the trunk's base, the bottom end is
12 feet from the base.
Let t and b measure the respective distances (in feet) from the base of the
trunk to the top and bottom ends of the ladder.
(a) Use the law of cosines to relate t and b.
(b) Use implicit differentiation to evaluate the derivative dt/db at the
position described above.
(c) Interpret the meaning of the derivative of part (b).
Transcribed Image Text:The trunk of a tree makes a 60° angle with the ground. A ladder leans against the trunk on the 60°-side. When the top of the ladder is 3 feet from the trunk's base, the bottom end is 12 feet from the base. Let t and b measure the respective distances (in feet) from the base of the trunk to the top and bottom ends of the ladder. (a) Use the law of cosines to relate t and b. (b) Use implicit differentiation to evaluate the derivative dt/db at the position described above. (c) Interpret the meaning of the derivative of part (b).
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