To write: the polar equation of the path of the asteroid with its vertex at
Answer to Problem 114RE
The polar equation of the asteroid is given by
The distance between the asteroid and earth when
Explanation of Solution
Given information:
An asteroid takes a parabolic path with earth as its focus. It is about 6000000 miles from earth at its closest approach.
Calculation:
In general for a conic, the foci are the two points that lie a distance
In the case of a parabola the distance between the focus and the directrix is,
Since
Since the directrix is horizontal and above pole, an equation of the form
Since
The distance between the asteroid and earth when
Chapter 10 Solutions
EBK PRECALCULUS W/LIMITS
- Calculus: Early TranscendentalsCalculusISBN:9781285741550Author:James StewartPublisher:Cengage LearningThomas' Calculus (14th Edition)CalculusISBN:9780134438986Author:Joel R. Hass, Christopher E. Heil, Maurice D. WeirPublisher:PEARSONCalculus: Early Transcendentals (3rd Edition)CalculusISBN:9780134763644Author:William L. Briggs, Lyle Cochran, Bernard Gillett, Eric SchulzPublisher:PEARSON
- Calculus: Early TranscendentalsCalculusISBN:9781319050740Author:Jon Rogawski, Colin Adams, Robert FranzosaPublisher:W. H. FreemanCalculus: Early Transcendental FunctionsCalculusISBN:9781337552516Author:Ron Larson, Bruce H. EdwardsPublisher:Cengage Learning