Tractrix A motorboat starts at the origin and moves in the direction of the positive x-axis, pulling a waterskier along a curve C called a tractrix. See Figure 1.3.22. The waterskier, initially located on the y-axis at the point (0, a), is pulled by a rope of constant length a that is kept taut throughout the motion. At time t > 0 the waterskier is at point P(x, y). Assume that the rope is always tangent to C. Use the concept of slope to determine a differential equation for the path C of motion. Chapter 1.3, Problem 28E, Tractrix A motorboat starts at the origin and moves in the direction of the positive x-axis, pulling FIGURE 1.3.22 Waterskier in Problem 28

Algebra & Trigonometry with Analytic Geometry
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ISBN:9781133382119
Author:Swokowski
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Chapter6: The Trigonometric Functions
Section6.7: Applied Problems
Problem 53E
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Tractrix A motorboat starts at the origin and moves in the direction of the positive x-axis, pulling a waterskier along a curve C called a tractrix. See Figure 1.3.22. The waterskier, initially located on the y-axis at the point (0, a), is pulled by a rope of constant length a that is kept taut throughout the motion. At time t > 0 the waterskier is at point P(x, y). Assume that the rope is always tangent to C. Use the concept of slope to determine a differential equation for the path C of motion.

Chapter 1.3, Problem 28E, Tractrix A motorboat starts at the origin and moves in the direction of the positive x-axis, pulling

FIGURE 1.3.22 Waterskier in Problem 28

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