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    notamathgenius's Avatar
    notamathgenius Posts: 1, Reputation: 1
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    #1

    Aug 9, 2007, 01:22 PM
    What is the distance
    A laundry line, 190 inches in length, hangs between the tops of two poles that are each 135 inches high. The middle of the rope hangs 40 inches above the ground. What is the distance between the two poles?
    ebaines's Avatar
    ebaines Posts: 12,131, Reputation: 1307
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    #2

    Aug 9, 2007, 02:41 PM
    OK - this may look complicated, but it's not. It's a trick question...

    First, think through - you are told the length of the line, and you can calculate how much it sags in the middle. Now, what's the maximum amount a laundry line 190 inches in length could ever sag in the middle? And under what conditions would that occur? Now you should have your answer!
    CaptainRich's Avatar
    CaptainRich Posts: 4,492, Reputation: 537
    Cars & Trucks Expert
    		  
    #3

    Aug 10, 2007, 10:31 AM
    First, is this a homework assignment?

    It is not possible to calculate the caternary of the clothes line without knowing the weight of the line, how much tension is on the line, etc. The best you can do is use geometry to approximate the final answer, to any degree of accuracy.
    ebaines's Avatar
    ebaines Posts: 12,131, Reputation: 1307
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    #4

    Aug 10, 2007, 11:08 AM
    CaptainRich - you would be correct about the catenary, except for the special case that this problem entails. No complicated mathematics needed!
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