MHB Solving the Parabolic Tunnel Problem by Friday

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The discussion centers on solving a parabolic tunnel problem that must be completed by Friday. The goal is to create a diagram on a coordinate plane and derive the equation of the parabola to accommodate two lanes of traffic, specifically for trucks measuring 5m wide and 7m high. The design must include additional space to prevent collisions between vehicles and the tunnel walls. Participants emphasize the need to calculate the total width, factoring in truck dimensions and safety margins. Assistance is requested for formulating the parabola equation for use in spreadsheets.
Alelin
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Hi I have to solve this problem by Friday
I have to draw a diagram to represent the tunnel on a coordinate number plane, and fix the equation of the parabola. Using algebra to coordinate geometry to determine the maximum width of the truck
the problem:
a tunnel is to be built to allow 2 lanes of traffic to pass from one side of a mountain to the other side (straight line no curves). the largest vehicle are trucks,which can be considered as rectangles 5m wide and 7m high.
Investigate the cross-section of a parabolic tunnel and find a "possible equation" to represent it. Allow some space so trucks do not bump into each other or the sides of the tunnel.
Please if you can help me to find the equation of the parabola to plug it into spreasheets it will be awesome coz I have tried in so many ways but it doesn't look good
 
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Re: I need help with excel

Well, start designing!

Width has 3 Parts
  • 2x Truck Width
  • 2x Side Space
  • 1x Middle Space

You'll have to decide the widths of the spaces.
 
Re: I need help with excel

Why didn't the solution I gave you http://www.mathhelpboards.com/f52/ales-question-yahoo-answers-regarding-tunnel-parabolic-cross-section-4872/ work?
 

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