(a) By how much is the sum of \(3\frac{2}{3}\) and \(2\frac{1}{5}\) less than 7?
(b) The height, h m, of a dock above sea level is given by \(h = 6 + 4\cos (15p)^\circ, 0 < p < 6\). Find :
(i) the value of h when p = 4 ; (ii) correct to two significant figures, the value of p when h = 9 m.
Verified Correct Answer: .
Step-by-Step Mathematical Solution
(a) Let the sum of \(3\frac{2}{3}\) and \(2\frac{1}{5}\) be less than 7 by z.
Then z = \(7 - (3\frac{2}{3} + 2\frac{1}{5})\)
= \(7 - (\frac{11}{3} + \frac{11}{5})\)
= \(7 - \frac{88}{15}\)
= \(\frac{17}{15} = 1\frac{2}{15}\)
Hence, the sum of \(3\frac{2}{3}\) and \(2\frac{1}{5}\) is less than 7 by \(1\frac{2}{15}\).
(b) \(h = 6 + 4\cos (15p)^\circ\) (Given)
(i) When p = 4,
\(h = 6 + 4\cos (15 \times 4)^\circ\)
\(h = 6 + 4 \cos 60^\circ\)
= \(6 + 4 \times 0.5\)
= \(6 + 2 = 8 m\)
(ii) When h = 9 m, the given equation becomes
\(9 = 6 + 4\cos (15p)^\circ\)
\(9 - 6 = 4 \cos (15p)^\circ\)
\(\cos (15p)^\circ = \frac{3}{4}\)
\((15p)^\circ = \cos^{-1} (0.75)\)
\((15p)^\circ = 41.4^\circ\)
\(p^\circ = \frac{41.4}{15}\)
\(p^\circ = 2.76^\circ\)
\(p \approxeq 2.8^\circ\) (2 significant figures).
Source: Myschool Past Questions Archive (Record #52555)