Thread: Rectangular coordinate system

• A two-person tent is to be made so that the height at the center is a = 3 feet (see the figure below). If the sides of the tent are to meet the ground at an angle α = 30°, and the tent is to be b = 9 feet in length, how many square feet of material will be needed to make the tent? (Assume that the tent has a floor and is closed at both ends, and give your answer in exact form.)

Originally Posted by garbles

• A two-person tent is to be made so that the height at the center is a = 3 feet (see the figure below). If the sides of the tent are to meet the ground at an angle α = 30°, and the tent is to be b = 9 feet in length, how many square feet of material will be needed to make the tent? (Assume that the tent has a floor and is closed at both ends, and give your answer in exact form.)

in a 30-60-90 triangle, if the short leg has length 3, then the hypotenuse has length ?

I'm sorry I forgot to post the picture.

I'll post it now.

Originally Posted by garbles

• A two-person tent is to be made so that the height at the center is a = 3 feet (see the figure below). If the sides of the tent are to meet the ground at an angle α = 30°, and the tent is to be b = 9 feet in length, how many square feet of material will be needed to make the tent? (Assume that the tent has a floor and is closed at both ends, and give your answer in exact form.)

You can use the trig identities of a 30 60 90 triangle to find the length of the missing side (the hypotenuse and base of α). After you find that side the rest should be very easy.


Hint: Set up a proportion. If 1 is changed to 4, what does 2 equal and what does $\displaystyle \sqrt{3}$ equal?