Question

a fossil ammonite has the form of a logarithmic spiral. The distance measures of loop #2 and #4 along a radical line from the center of the spiral. The distances are 8cm and a8 cm. The fossil is in poor condition, and loop#3 can not be measured from the center. What is the distance in cm? the formula that is given is a prime n= r(a prime n-1). Not sure where to go from here! HELP!!

Answer 1

I'm going to guess it is a^2*8...

Answer 2

I don't understand how this formula works...the exponents are sunscript, not exponents on top - so I'm not sure how to solve for them

Answer 3

subscript!

Answer 4

I know I have to find the ratio, between the loops, but they are non-sequential, and I don't remember how to find that out. any suggestions?

Answer 5

I guessed wrong, I think it is 8*a* sqrt(a) ie u multiply by sqrt(a) for each loop so it goes

6, 8 sqrt (a), 8a....

the formula just says that each loop is the previous one multiplied by some ratio (they call it a as well, which is a bit confusing)

Answer 6

8, 8 sqrt (a), 8a... (typo, sorry)

Answer 7

so I have to find loop #3, how do I do that? Is the ratio 8?18, which is .444? I really want to figure this one out! What do you think?

Answer 8

I just gave u what I think is the answer above.

Answer 9

The ratio is sqrt(a).

Answer 10

So loop 2 u said is 8, multiply by sqrt(a) is 8 sqrt a and multiply by square root a again gives u loop 4 at 8a.

Answer 11

I will give it a try. Thanks!

Answer 12

Good luck..;-)

Answer 13

Just an FYI - the answer is 12