Book contents
- Frontmatter
- Dedication
- Contents
- The Purpose of This Book
- An Overview of the Projects
- Detailed Mathematical Requirements
- The Projects
- The Solutions
- 1 The Case of the Parabolic Pool Table—Solution
- 2 Calculus for Climatologists—Solution
- 3 The Case of the Swiveling Spotlight—Solution
- 4 Finding the Salami Curve—Solution
- 5 Saving Lunar Station Alpha—Solution
- 6 An Income Policy for Mediocria—Solution
- 7 The Case of the Cooling Cadaver—Solution
- 8 Designing Dipsticks—Solution
- 9 The Case of the Gilded Goose-egg—Solution
- 10 Sunken Treasure—Solution
5 - Saving Lunar Station Alpha—Solution
from The Solutions
- Frontmatter
- Dedication
- Contents
- The Purpose of This Book
- An Overview of the Projects
- Detailed Mathematical Requirements
- The Projects
- The Solutions
- 1 The Case of the Parabolic Pool Table—Solution
- 2 Calculus for Climatologists—Solution
- 3 The Case of the Swiveling Spotlight—Solution
- 4 Finding the Salami Curve—Solution
- 5 Saving Lunar Station Alpha—Solution
- 6 An Income Policy for Mediocria—Solution
- 7 The Case of the Cooling Cadaver—Solution
- 8 Designing Dipsticks—Solution
- 9 The Case of the Gilded Goose-egg—Solution
- 10 Sunken Treasure—Solution
Summary
Report No. 3276
Xzyqgon File
Sector: Lunar Station Alpha
Topic: Required launch velocity of LS50 quasion probe rockets for meteor interception
This report addresses the calculation of the launch velocity of the rocket fired from Lunar Station 50 at 3:00 PM on July 21, 21xy, to intercept the meteor on a collision course with Lunar Station Alpha.
Let R denote the radius of Xzyqgon (all distances will be measured in km). Let d denote the distance from Lunar Station 50 (henceforth denoted LS50) to the meteor at 3 PM. Let u denote the speed of the meteor (all speeds in km/sec), and let v denote the maximum possible speed at which the research rockets can be launched.
The situation at 3 PM is shown in Figure A. The circle is the “great circle” on Xzyqgon on which both LS50 and Lunar Station Alpha (henceforth abbreviated LSα) sit. Referring to Figure A, M is the location of the meteor, N is the North Pole where LSα is located, F is the location of LS50, and O is the center of Xzyqgon. Finally, P is the intersection of the path of the research rocket and the path of the meteor, and Q is where the great circle through LS50 and LSα meets the Equator.
- Type
- Chapter
- Information
- Calculus Mysteries and Thrillers , pp. 87 - 94Publisher: Mathematical Association of AmericaPrint publication year: 1998