A crate weighing w pounds sits on a ramp positioned at an angle of x with the horizontal. The forces acting on this crate are modeled by the equation Mwcosx = wsinx, where M is the coefficient of friction. What is an expression for M in terms of x?
A. M = tanx
B. M = cotx
C. M = secx
D. M = cscx
Hmm. By the time you get to trig, a little algebra I should not throw you.
M w cosx = w sinx
M = w sinx / w cosx
= sinx/cosx
= tanx
Where did you get stuck on the way?
To solve for the expression of M in terms of x, we need to manipulate the given equation to isolate M.
The equation given is Mwcosx = wsinx.
Divide both sides of the equation by wcosx to isolate M:
M = wsinx / wcosx.
We can simplify the expression by canceling out the w:
M = sinx / cosx.
Now, let's rewrite the expression using trigonometric identities:
M = tanx.
Therefore, the correct expression for M in terms of x is A. M = tanx.