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Parametric Equations

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Question 37

A sensor monitors the motion of a survey buoy in a harbor. For t≥1t \ge 1t≥1, where ttt is the time in minutes after a fixed reference point, the horizontal velocity of the water uuu (in knots) and the height of the buoy hhh (in metres) above the seabed are modelled by the parametric equations

u=16−(2t−6)2 u = 16 - (2t - 6)^2 u=16−(2t−6)2 h=12−5(2t−6)15 h = 12 - 5(2t - 6)^{\frac{1}{5}} h=12−5(2t−6)51​

Local maximum and minimum heights of the buoy occur when the horizontal velocity of the surrounding water is zero.

The sensor begins recording at 09:00, at which time t=1t = 1t=1 and the buoy is at a local maximum height.

a.

(i) Use the model to find the height of the buoy at 09:00.

(ii) Find the time at which the first local minimum height occurs after 09:00.

(iii) Find the height of the buoy at this local minimum.

[5]
b.

Use the model to find the height of the buoy when the horizontal velocity of the water is at its maximum.

[2]
c.

Comment on the validity of the model.

[1]

Parametric Equations Questions

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