# Thread: Word problem on ellipses

1. ## Word problem on ellipses

Hi I was wondering how you would set up a problem like this:

An arch for a bridge over a highway is in the form of half an ellipse. The top of the arch is 20 feet above the ground level (the major axis). The highway has four lanes, each 12 feet wide; a center safety strip 8 feet wide; and two side strips, each 4 feet wide. What should the span of the bridge be (the length of its major axis) if the height 28 feet from the center is to be 13 feet?

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

2. ## Re: Word problem on ellipses

Was there a picture with this problem?

3. ## Re: Word problem on ellipses

No there wasn't a picture of it, which made it harder to figure out.

4. ## Re: Word problem on ellipses

Hello, Violagirl!

An arch for a bridge over a highway is in the form of half an ellipse.
The top of the arch is 20 feet above the ground level (the major axis).
The highway has four lanes, each 12 feet wide; a center safety strip 8 feet wide;
and two side strips, each 4 feet wide.
.
all unnecessary!

What should the span of the bridge be (the length of its major axis)
if the height 28 feet from the center is to be 13 feet?
Code:
              * * * * *
*       |       *
*          |          *
20|          | *
*             |        13|  *
|          |
*--------------+----------+---*
28

$\text{We have an ellipse with a semi-minor axis of 20.}$

. . $\text{Its equation is: }\;\frac{x^2}{a^2} + \frac{y^2}{20^2} \:=\:1$

$\text{The point }(28,13)\text{ is on the ellipse.}$

. . $\text{Hence: }\:\frac{28^2}{a^2} + \frac{13^2}{20^2} \:=\:1$

$\text{Solve for }a\!:\;\;a^2 \:=\:\frac{560^2}{231} \quad\Rightarrow\quad a \:=\:\frac{560}{\sqrt{231}} \:=\:36.84529492$

$\text{Therefore, the major axis is: }\:2a \;\approx\;73.7\text{ ft.}$

#### Posting Permissions

• You may not post new threads
• You may not post replies
• You may not post attachments
• You may not edit your posts
•