I have a trig question regarding a ferris wheel, radius 35m, axles 37m, clockwise direction, rotates twice every 10 mins. I have calculated the following function:

Question

h = -35cos(2pi*X/5)+37
I have calculated at what height I would be after 3 minutes by substituting X=3 in the above equation. However, I need to calculate at what times I would be 30m off the ground. Can you please tell me if I am on the right track and how to calculate the time?
Many thanks

Answer 1

I agree with your equation, so let' set it equal to 30

30 = -35cos(2pi*X/5)+37
-7 = -35cos(2pi*X/5)
.2 = cos(2pi*X/5)
take the inverse cosine to get
2pi*X/5 = 1.369438
x = 1.09 minutes

check it by repeating the same steps you did finding the height at 3 minutes.

Answer 2

Many thanks, I understand that now.
I have another question I am stuck on also. How do I get an equation for the height of the car on the ferris wheel over a 10 minute period if we start the analysis one minute into the ride.
Can I still use the original formula
h = -35cos(2pi*X/5)+37
I don't understand what part changes to make it one minute into the ride. Appreciate any help.