Solve the problem.
-The arch beneath a bridge is semi-elliptical, a one-way roadway passes under the arch. The width of the roadway is 32 feet and the height of the arch over the center of the roadway is 13 feet. Two trucks plan to use
This road. They are both 8 feet wide. Truck 1 has an overall height of 12 feet and Truck 2 has an overall height of
13 feet. Draw a rough sketch of the situation and determine which of the trucks can pass under the bridge.
A) Truck 1 can pass under the bridge, but Truck 2 cannot.
B) Both Truck 1 and Truck 2 can pass under the bridge.
C) Truck 2 can pass under the bridge, but Truck 1 cannot.
D) Neither Truck 1 nor Truck 2 can pass under the bridge.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The semi-elliptical shape of the arch means that the height clearance decreases as one moves away from the center. Since the arch's maximum height is 13 feet at the center, Truck 1, which is 12 feet tall, can pass under the bridge at the center where the clearance is highest. Truck 2, being 13 feet tall, matches the maximum height of the arch at the center, leaving no clearance and potentially not accounting for the vehicle's suspension travel and road irregularities, making it risky or impossible to pass without contact.

Solve the Problem. -The Arch Beneath a Bridge Is Semi-Elliptical, a One-Way Roadway