Equation of Ferris Wheel

[nycmath]

Precalculus
Michael Sullivan
Edition 10
Chapter 1, Section 1.4

See attachment.

The diameter of the wheel is 250 ft. This tells me that the radius is 125 ft.

The height of the wheel is 264 ft. I need the bottom height of the wheel plus the radius, which is our center k.

So, k = center of wheel = bottom height + radius.

Bottom height = height of wheel - diameter.

Bottom height = 264 ft - 250 ft = 14 ft.

K = bottom height + radius

K = 14 ft + 125 ft = 139 ft.

This leads to (h, k) = (0, 139). Our radius is 125 ft.

(x - h)^2 + (y - 139)^2 = (125)2

The equation of the wheel is x^2 + (y - 139)^2 = 15, 625.

You say?

[Math Tutor]

Yes. [tex]x^2 + (y - 139)^2 = 15625[/tex] is correct.

[nycmath]

Math Tutor,

Thank you.