The ropes, pulleys, and sandbags shown are part of a mechanical system used to raise and lower scenery for a stage play. For the scenery to be in the proper position, the following formula must apply. w2 = V w,2 + wa2 If w2 = 12.5 Ib and w3 = 7.5 lb, find w1. W1 Ib 37° 530 W3 W2

Algebra and Trigonometry (6th Edition)
6th Edition
ISBN:9780134463216
Author:Robert F. Blitzer
Publisher:Robert F. Blitzer
ChapterP: Prerequisites: Fundamental Concepts Of Algebra
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 1MCCP: In Exercises 1-25, simplify the given expression or perform the indicated operation (and simplify,...
icon
Related questions
Question
### Understanding the Use of Pulleys in a Mechanical System

The ropes, pulleys, and sandbags shown are part of a mechanical system used to raise and lower scenery for a stage play. For the scenery to be in the proper position, the following formula must apply:

\[ w_2 = \sqrt{w_1^2 + w_3^2} \]

Given:
- \( w_2 = 12.5 \) lb
- \( w_3 = 7.5 \) lb

Find \( w_1 \).

\[ w_1 = \]

**Diagram Explanation:**

The diagram shows a set of pulleys with three weights attached to the system:
- \( w_1 \) is hanging vertically from the left pulley.
- \( w_2 \) is hanging vertically from the center point of the system, where the ropes coming from the left and right pulleys meet.
- \( w_3 \) is hanging vertically from the right pulley.

Angles are marked at the point where ropes meet the center weight (\( w_2 \)):
- The angle between the rope on the left and the vertical axis is \( 37^\circ \).
- The angle between the rope on the right and the vertical axis is \( 53^\circ \).

This mechanical system illustrates how weights and angles interact to maintain balance and proper positioning of the stage scenery. By using the given formula, you can calculate the necessary weight \( w_1 \) to ensure the system is balanced and functional.

**Steps to Solve for \( w_1 \):**

1. Substitute \( w_2 \) and \( w_3 \) into the formula:
   \[ 12.5 = \sqrt{w_1^2 + 7.5^2} \]

2. Square both sides to eliminate the square root:
   \[ 12.5^2 = w_1^2 + 7.5^2 \]
   \[ 156.25 = w_1^2 + 56.25 \]

3. Subtract \( 56.25 \) from both sides to solve for \( w_1^2 \):
   \[ 156.25 - 56.25 = w_1^2 \]
   \[ 100 = w_1^2 \]

4. Take the square root of both sides to find \( w_1 \):
Transcribed Image Text:### Understanding the Use of Pulleys in a Mechanical System The ropes, pulleys, and sandbags shown are part of a mechanical system used to raise and lower scenery for a stage play. For the scenery to be in the proper position, the following formula must apply: \[ w_2 = \sqrt{w_1^2 + w_3^2} \] Given: - \( w_2 = 12.5 \) lb - \( w_3 = 7.5 \) lb Find \( w_1 \). \[ w_1 = \] **Diagram Explanation:** The diagram shows a set of pulleys with three weights attached to the system: - \( w_1 \) is hanging vertically from the left pulley. - \( w_2 \) is hanging vertically from the center point of the system, where the ropes coming from the left and right pulleys meet. - \( w_3 \) is hanging vertically from the right pulley. Angles are marked at the point where ropes meet the center weight (\( w_2 \)): - The angle between the rope on the left and the vertical axis is \( 37^\circ \). - The angle between the rope on the right and the vertical axis is \( 53^\circ \). This mechanical system illustrates how weights and angles interact to maintain balance and proper positioning of the stage scenery. By using the given formula, you can calculate the necessary weight \( w_1 \) to ensure the system is balanced and functional. **Steps to Solve for \( w_1 \):** 1. Substitute \( w_2 \) and \( w_3 \) into the formula: \[ 12.5 = \sqrt{w_1^2 + 7.5^2} \] 2. Square both sides to eliminate the square root: \[ 12.5^2 = w_1^2 + 7.5^2 \] \[ 156.25 = w_1^2 + 56.25 \] 3. Subtract \( 56.25 \) from both sides to solve for \( w_1^2 \): \[ 156.25 - 56.25 = w_1^2 \] \[ 100 = w_1^2 \] 4. Take the square root of both sides to find \( w_1 \):
Expert Solution
trending now

Trending now

This is a popular solution!

steps

Step by step

Solved in 2 steps with 2 images

Blurred answer
Knowledge Booster
Factorization
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, algebra and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Recommended textbooks for you
Algebra and Trigonometry (6th Edition)
Algebra and Trigonometry (6th Edition)
Algebra
ISBN:
9780134463216
Author:
Robert F. Blitzer
Publisher:
PEARSON
Contemporary Abstract Algebra
Contemporary Abstract Algebra
Algebra
ISBN:
9781305657960
Author:
Joseph Gallian
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Linear Algebra: A Modern Introduction
Linear Algebra: A Modern Introduction
Algebra
ISBN:
9781285463247
Author:
David Poole
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Algebra And Trigonometry (11th Edition)
Algebra And Trigonometry (11th Edition)
Algebra
ISBN:
9780135163078
Author:
Michael Sullivan
Publisher:
PEARSON
Introduction to Linear Algebra, Fifth Edition
Introduction to Linear Algebra, Fifth Edition
Algebra
ISBN:
9780980232776
Author:
Gilbert Strang
Publisher:
Wellesley-Cambridge Press
College Algebra (Collegiate Math)
College Algebra (Collegiate Math)
Algebra
ISBN:
9780077836344
Author:
Julie Miller, Donna Gerken
Publisher:
McGraw-Hill Education