A bridge with a parabolic shape has an opening 98 feet wide at the base of the bridge (where the bridge meets the water), and the height in the center of the bridge is 40 feet. A sailboat whose mast reaches 50 feet above the water is traveling under the bridge 23 feet from the center of the bridge. Will it clear the bridge without scraping its mast? Justify your answer.
A) No. The opening height is 50 feet, and the mast is 31.2 feet.
B) Yes. The opening height is 50 feet, and the mast is 31.2 feet.
C) No. The opening height is 31.2 feet, and the mast is 50 feet.
D) No. The opening height is 32 feet, and the mast is 50 feet.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The height of the bridge 23 feet from the center is 31.2 feet, which is less than the 50-foot mast of the sailboat, so it will not clear the bridge.

A Bridge with a Parabolic Shape Has an Opening 98